As a parent, I am all too familiar with the escalating cost of living. We are constantly grappling with rising food and household bills, and our mental health is suffering under these stresses. The school system as it stands is not fit for purpose, failing to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Bullying has become rampant and uncontrollable. Some children have unpredictable medical conditions that require flexibility.

Moreover, we parents dream of taking our families on holiday during school breaks, but the prohibitive costs make this nearly impossible. Children and families deserve quality time together without facing punitive measures from schools.

In England alone, over 260,000 penalty notices were issued to parents for their child's absence from school in 2017-18 - a significant increase from previous years (source: Department for Education). This trend is alarming and must be stopped.

We call on policymakers to halt this unjust increase in school fines. Our children's education should not be a source of financial stress or anxiety; instead it should be an opportunity for growth and development. Please sign this petition if you believe in making family life more affordable while ensuring our children receive the support they need at school.