This is when is it acceptable to miss school
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Councils can issue the fines on behalf of schools, with the number handed out rocketing in recent years.
There were 5,654 issued by Lancashire County Council in 2015/16. That figure rose to 9,219 last year – an increase of more than 60 per cent.
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Hide AdSchools may authorise absence in some cases, with possible reasons including:
• emergencies
• religious observation
• bereavement
• some medical appointments.
Among the list of unacceptable reasons for absence are: shopping, hair cuts, work, oversleeping and non-urgent medical appointments.
Holidays are generally classed as an unacceptable reason for absence, but can be approved by a headteacher in advance.
However, guidance states this will only happen in “exceptional circumstances”.
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Hide AdThose breaching the rules risk a £60, which rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days. Parents who don’t pay within 28 days can be taken to court, where they face a £2,500 fine or up to three months in jail.