Students return to classrooms in England and Wales as unions rally against absence fines
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Students return to classrooms in England and Wales as unions rally against absence fines
Education unions are calling for a temporary ban on school absence fines asthousands of pupils return to classrooms in England and Wales.
Over a quarterof parents say they are not ready to send their child back to school,according to a survey of 3,400 parents by charity Parentkind.
But localauthorities will be able to fine parents who refuse to send their childrenback to the classroom up to £120, which can be reduced to £60 if paid within21 days.
This has been described as a "last resort" tactic by the Departmentfor Education.
Education unions like the National Association of Head Teachers(NAHT) have called for the ban saying fines will not comfort parents withvirus fears.