Campaigners hand petition against school absence fines to government
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 07:02 · Archive
A petition with over 290,000 signatures calling to end fines for families with children with suspected SEND has been delivered to Downing Street.
A petition with more than 290,000 signatures has been delivered to Downing Street calling for an end to fines and prosecution of families whose children with suspected special education needs and disabilities (SEND) do not attend school. The No School Fines campaign was started in 2022 by Susan Liverman from Corby, Northamptonshire, and Maddie Roberts from Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Liverman began the campaign when her son Arthur was unable to attend school due to extreme anxiety and panic attacks. She said the threat of fines worsened an already difficult situation. Roberts faced similar issues when her son Harleigh began suffering from anxiety, describing the pressure of unauthorised absences as leaving families 'lost'.
The campaign is supported by actor Anna Maxwell Martin, known for roles in Motherland and Ludwig. Maxwell Martin said fining and prosecuting families 'doesn't work in improving attendance figures' and argued that 'what does improve outcomes for young people facing difficulty is meeting their needs at the point of need'. A Department for Education spokesperson said it was 'taking action to transform the system'.
How it is being reported
- Petition to stop fines for school absence handed inThe campaign is supported by Motherland and Ludwig actor Anna Maxwell Martin.BBC Beds Bucks And Herts · 21 Oct, 06:39
- Bedfordshire mum backs Motherland star's call to end ‘cruel and unnecessary’ school absence finesCampaigners delivered a petition to Downing StreetBedford Today · 20 Oct, 17:21
In this story: Anna Maxwell Martin · Susan Liverman · Maddie Roberts · Department for Education · Downing Street · Bedfordshire · Northamptonshire
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)