Trying to get the kids out of the door on time for school can be difficult, so the last thing we need is the threat of a fine hanging over our heads.
This will soon be a reality for parents at one school in England, however!
The principal of Winter Gardens Academy, in Essex, has written to parents to inform them that students who continue to show up to school after 9am will be fined.
The new punishment was outlined in the school’s newsletter and is set to come into effect from April.
Once the penalty has been issued, parents will have a 21-day window during which to pay the fine. Those who refuse to pay will face prosecution – and they could even end up in jail.
The measure has come in for major criticism, not least among local politicians. One councillor, Ray Howard, has called on parents who feel they are being ‘unfairly prosecuted’ to get in touch with him.
What are your thoughts on this measure? Do you think it’s fair on students’ parents? And do you think it will get more students into school on time?
