Parents who allow their children to miss school without a valid reason could face higher fines as the government plans to increase the penalty by £20.

The Department for Education has announced that the fine for unauthorized absences will rise from £60 to £80 in a bid to clamp down on truancy and improve attendance rates.

Educational experts believe that regular attendance at school is crucial for a child’s academic success and overall development. Missing school can have a negative impact on a child’s learning and future prospects.

The government hopes that by increasing the fine for school absence, parents will take their child’s education more seriously and prioritize attendance.

Parents are urged to ensure that their child attends school regularly and to seek permission from the school for any planned absences. Failure to comply could result in a fine and possible legal action.