Petition · past parliament

Stop penalty fines for absence in school

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

To fine parents for taking their own children out of school for more than 5 consecutive days is disgraceful. Some children are unwell for longer than this, struggle with their mental health, or for other reason that parents do not and should not need to disclose with schools.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

We have published the following petitions, which you might like to sign:

Stop fines and criminal charges for taking children on holiday in term time: Stop fines and criminal charges for taking children on holiday in term time

Allow students to be taken out of school for two weeks a year without penalty: Allow students to be taken out of school for two weeks a year without penalty

Timeline

25 Apr 2024 Petition opened for signatures
10 May 2024 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 10 May 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.