For many parents and children, the end of the school holidays is usually approached with excitement and relief, however matters are somewhat different this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
Parents may be concerned about the possible risk of children returning to school, and children uncertain or nervous about returning to a classroom which may look vastly different, especially given the time they have been out of the classroom and learning from home in difficult circumstances.
Initially in May, the government indicated that parents who chose not to send children back to school would not be fined, but this position has now changed and fines will be levied for parents not returning their children to school. Those fines will be £60, doubling if not paid within 21 days.
This could cause additional difficulties for separated parents where one parent does not agree to the children returning to school. In theory, a parent could apply to court to stop a child returning to school if there was a dispute, but it is unlikely any such application would succeed.
Exceptions of course apply for children or those within their households with symptoms of Covid-19 who must self -isolate, and parents will need to communicate with each other and the school in those circumstances.
If you are having difficulties agreeing with your former partner about your child’s schooling, please contact a member of the family team on 01756 799000 for further information.