A hot topic that has been up for debate today is the subject of fines for parents.

Many parents still feel that it is not safe for their children to go back to school despite the reopening this week.

The National Union of Head Teachers have stepped in and asked for schools not to penalise parents.

Local authorities can issue fines of 120 pounds if children are absent without reason.

However, a survey from the National Foundation for Educational Research also shows more than two in five children will need "intensive" support to catch up.

The study coincides with Labour yesterday calling for A-level and GCSE exams to be delayed next year.

Richmond Borough Council have said:

"It is as always schools' responsibilities to record attendance and follow up absence and have the ability to issue sanctions, including fixed penalty notices, in line with local authorities' codes of conduct.

"With the guidance regarding mandatory school attendance from September this will likely lead to an increase in unauthorised attendance issues and there are likely to be circumstances where it will be appropriate to issue fines where reasons are not provided leading to further unauthorised absences continuing and where no supporting evidence is made available."

So do you think there should be fines for missing school?

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