Parents of children in Swindon will not receive fines for not returning their children to school next week, it has been confirmed.
Under the government’s road-map out of lockdown, primary school pupils in Reception, Year One, and Year Six are set to return to classrooms next week, June 1st.
Government guidance says: ‘We strongly encourage children and young people in the eligible year groups and priority groups to attend, as requested by their school or college, unless they are self-isolating or there are other reasons for absence.
‘You should notify your child’s school or college as normal if your child is unable to attend so that staff are aware and can discuss with you.
‘Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time.’
Councillor Russell Holland, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and the Cabinet Member responsible for Education, said: “We recognise this is an incredibly complex situation and schools have to take a number of different factors into consideration before they can open their doors to the limited number of pupils the Government has indicated.
“We are therefore encouraging schools to follow the guidance provided by the Department for Education (DfE) and to open only when it is safe for them to do so.
“We have been in contact with all schools to ensure they work through the DfE checklist and their risk assessment so they can plan the most appropriate provision as we recognise that schools are best placed to decide whether they can open safely.
“We want parents to continue to work with schools so that children are accessing education. However, parents and carers are not compelled to send children to school and won’t be fined if they keep them at home.”
