Parents to have child benefit deducted if children miss school
Filed under: Advice and health
Charlie Taylor and Michael Gove PA
Charlie Taylor, the Government's 'Discipline Tsar' plans to issue parents with parking style fines via deductions through their child benefit if they allow their primary school kids to truant.
He will also raise the current £50 penalty to £60, which, much like a parking fine, will then double to £120 if not paid within 28 days.
His ideas come in response to the revelation that half of the 127,000 fines issued in the past eight years have either been unpaid or waived.
Former head teacher Mr Taylor said the new style penalties will 'strengthen and simplify' the system, which he claims currently allows 'some parents' to 'simply allow their children to miss school and then refuse to pay the fine'.
Charlie added that it was 'vital kids do not miss school' and that head teachers needed backing in 'getting parents to play their part'. At the moment, although heads can issue parents with £50 fines if their children play truant, they do not have the power to make them cough up the money.
Education Secretary Michael Gove is said to be likely to accept Mr Taylor's proposals in full – even though they do not include a call for a legal ban on kids being taken out of school during term time for family holidays, something the Tories had previously pledged to introduce.
Tamsin Kelly, editor of parentdish.co.uk, comments: 'Holiday companies raise their prices so dramatically during school holidays that many parents simply couldn't afford to take their families for a break during allowed times. Many parents would argue that in addition to making a saving of hundreds of pounds, they are giving their children new experiences which, especially in primary years and in moderation, may be of more benefit than sitting at a desk. Rather than penalising families,why does the Government not look more at the hikes in holiday pricing.
What do you think about this new style 'fining'? Do you agree with it?
Have you taken your children out during term time?
Blackpool: Things to do and places to go with little ones in tow
- Nickelodeon Land at Pleasure Beach<p> Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach is already one of the UK’s best-loved theme parks, but things got even more interesting for younger families in 2011 with the launch of <a href="http://www.nick.co.uk/nickelodeonland/" target="_blank">‘Nickelodeon Land’. </a></p> <p> Situated within the Pleasure Beach, it boasts 12 themed rides that younger children will love including SpongeBob’s Splash Bash, Diego’s Rainforest Rescue and Rugrats Lost River.</p> <p> ‘Nick’ characters are in abundance for the kids to meet and greet, there’s a branded shop if you’re feeling flush, and the Big Pizza Kitchen is great for family dining.<br /> <br /> Visit website for seasonal opening hours.<br /> Unlimited wristbands (online prices) £27 per person. Juniors (under-12) and seniors, £22 each.</p>
- Blackpool Tower<p> Blackpool’s most famous landmark, the <a href="http://www.theblackpooltower.com/" target="_blank">Tower </a>is always worth a visit. Over the summer you can enjoy an indoor circus, ‘Jungle Jim’s’ soft play centre and the spectacular ballroom, as seen on Strictly Come Dancing.</p> <p> In September, the Tower top will re-open as The Blackpool Tower Eye observation deck, including a thrilling glass ‘Airwalk’, and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon will also debut, with grisly areas devoted to the Pendle Witch Trials as well as Extremis, an indoor drop ride.<br /> <br /> Open Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm. Weekends and School Holidays 10am - 5pm.<br /> Family admission (2 adults & 2 children), £36.</p>
- Sandcastle waterpark<p> Right next to the beach, the <a href="http://www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk/graphic/home/" target="_blank">Sandcastle</a> is the UK’s largest indoor water park with 18 slides and attractions. Even if it’s pouring outside, the artificially- tropical climate ensures that kids will get a swim and can hurl themselves down exciting slides including the Masterblaster and Sidewinder - or chill out in the Ushi Gushi Action River, Shimmering Shallows and Lagoon Wave Pool.</p> <p> Younger kids are catered for too with a Caribbean Storm tree house (an interactive water adventure play area), water cannons and mini slides.<br /> <br /> Open all year. Check website for seasonal opening hours.</p> <p> Family of three saver (max two adults), £30.00 (additional charge applies for Sidewinder and Masterblaster slides).</p>
- Sealife centre<p> There are several Sea Life Centres across the country, but visiting one by the seaside is always special.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.visitsealife.com/blackpool/" target="_blank">Blackpool’s</a> branch boasts the world’s largest variety of sharks, over 1,000 sea creatures and a walkthrough, underwater tunnel. It also has a new ‘claws’ exhibition with display tanks that look like giant crabs.</p> <p> Kids will go crazy for the collection of crusty crabs and crustaceans, including a Japanese Spider Crab - which can grow big enough to straddle a small car.<br /> <br /> Open Monday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.<br /> Family of four (two adults and two children), £35.40 (online price).</p>
- Big Blue Hotel<p> Right next to the Pleasure Beach, the chic <a href="http://www.bigbluehotel.com/accommodation.php" target="_blank">Big Blue Hotel</a> was a welcome addition to Blackpool’s accommodation choices when it opened in 2003.</p> <p> The Pepsi Max Big One provides the backdrop and many rooms overlook the vast rollercoaster.</p> <p> Superior family rooms have a designated children's area (for under-12s) with funky bunk beds, individual freeview TVs and connections for PlayStation 2 (hire the latest games and consoles from reception).</p> <p> In Blues Bar and Brasserie children can create their own pizzas, and if you’ve had enough fun on the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool’s ice skating arena is on the doorstep.<br /> <br /> Check website for rates and availability.</p>
- Madame Tussauds<p> Blackpool’s very own <a href="http://www.madametussauds.com/blackpool/" target="_blank">Madame Tussauds,</a> only the second in the country, opened in April 2011. Much like the London waxwork venue, it is packed with big names from the celebrity world as well as classic comedians and iconic TV and sport personalities including Cheryl Cole, Gok Wan, Susan Boyle, Graham Norton and David Beckham.</p> <p> Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your kids brushing shoulders with the stars.<br /> <br /> Open every day (except Christmas Day), Monday to Friday, 10am – 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday (and UK school holidays), 10am – 6pm.</p> <p> <br /> Family of four (two adults and two children), £35.40, under-3s admitted free. (Advanced online price).</p>
- Blackpool Zoo<p> <a href="http://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/" target="_blank">Blackpool Zoo</a> has over 1,500 animals and now includes a huge children’s farm where kids can get hands on with donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs in daily interactive sessions and educational talks.</p> <p> Little ones will also love the llamas and adorable baby reindeer - and one of the zoo’s most popular animals, Rudolf the Kune Kune pig, has a new purpose-built home in the children’s farm. As well as the animals there is a play barn and a miniature train on the site and the restaurant has just had a £350,000 overhaul.<br /> <br /> Open at 10am daily (check website for seasonal closing times).</p> <p> Family ticket (two adults and two children), £41.40 (online price).</p>
- Blackpool piers<p> Blackpool is home to three piers, each offering plenty of family entertainment.</p> <p> As well as shops, kids’ rides and a huge amusement arcade, the <a href="http://www.blackpoolnorthpier.co.uk/" target="_blank">North Pier </a>also houses the North Pier Theatre, which usually runs a programme of family-friendly shows.</p> <p> The<a href="http://www.centralpierblackpool.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Central Pier </a>is most famous for its imposing Big Wheel but it also boasts the Pier End, a family-friendly bar and pizza restaurant with live entertainment.</p> <p> The <a href="http://www.attractionsblackpool.co.uk/South_Pier.htm" target="_blank">South Pier </a>has a mix of classic fairground rides, traditional stalls and white knuckle rides including a reverse bungee.<br /> <br /> Check individual websites for opening times and prices.</p>
- Blackpool Illuminations<p> Starting on September 2nd, the 10km stretch of <a href="http://www.blackpool-illuminations.net/" target="_blank">‘Illuminations’ </a>on Blackpool’s promenade create an annual spectacle that children adore.</p> <p> The Illuminations consist of lasers, neon, fibre optics, floodlighting, searchlights and more than one million light bulbs.</p> <p> In 2010, there were over 500 light features, as well as strings of lights along the structure of buildings, picking out Blackpool’s landmarks in luminous detail.</p> <p> And the best way to see the display is from one of the trams, which are also illuminated and decorated with specific themes; previous years have seen a Wild West tram, as well as a space rocket.<br /> <br /> The Illuminations run from September 2nd to November 6th 2011 (check website for switch-on times).</p>
- West Coast Rock Cafe<p> With quirky décor and mega-friendly hosts (a local family who have owned and run the business since 1987), the <a href="http://www.westcoastrock.co.uk/index.htm" target="_blank">West Coast Rock Café </a>is the perfect place to grab a bite with the family. Right in the centre of town, it serves a mix of burgers, steaks and Tex-Mex.</p> <p> The kids menu, for under-12s, includes three types of pasta (including veggie), as well as a ‘mix-and-match’ selection of kids favourites (goujons, sausages, fish fingers, pizza, etc) at very reasonable prices.<br /> <br /> Open daily, 12pm until late.</p>
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