Parent groups seek to alter ‘punitive’ bill

A group of charities wants to amend the Education and Inspections Bill to remove a clause that could criminalise parents if their child is on the streets or in a public place while excluded from school.

The group, including Parentline Plus, was trying to amend the bill to remove the clause when it was debated in the House of Lords this week.

The bill states that where a child is excluded for up to five days, their parents have to keep them away from public areas during school hours or risk receiving a penalty notice.

But the charities argue that this would unfairly penalise parents and children. They have called for any funds earmarked for the policy to be spent on supporting children’s special needs or disabilities and working with vulnerable families.