Hello everyone,

It's been a while since our last update and we're so happy to be able to tell you about everything we have been up to recently! (You can also follow our activity over on Facebook at No School Fines)

Since the petition began Maddie and I have been in the news, written to our MPs, met with them, and finally, at the end of March, we went all the way to Downing Street, London, to hand in our petition to No 10.

We travelled to London before the delivery and together met with parents - we are surrounded by a wonderful community of families online with (sadly all too) similar experiences; amazingly some of them came from across the UK to support us. There was a fantastic feeling of solidarity and it was brilliant to have everyone with us as we walked from the Houses of Parliament to Downing Street.

We were also accompanied to No 10 by Sunday Times best-selling author of "Your Child Is Not Broken" and founder of "EOTAS Matters"- Heidi Mavir, and Ellie Costello, Director of Square Peg and co-author of the ground-breaking book "Square Pegs" book - described as a "must-read" for Educators. It was great to meet Ellie and Heidi in person and we are so grateful for their support over the last year. 

Last, but definitely, not least, Maddie's son Harleigh knocked on the door of No 10 for us and handed over the signatures in what was an emotional moment. 

After we had handed the petition in, Maddie and I met with our MPs at the Houses of Parliament who agreed to help us in securing further discussions with relevant ministers in Education. We left the day feeling optimistic that Attendance Guidance can be changed and that fines and prosecution can stop when children "can't not, won't attend school". We will keep you updated on the progress of any meetings...

It was a day full of hope and joining together - find out more about the delivery day and our news coverage too, over at our page, No School Fines

Unfortunately, we are still hearing directly from families on a near daily basis who share their experiences of attendance fines, fearing prosecution and struggling alone fighting for support for their children. 

The call from everyone at the petition delivery was clear:

Stop shaming our children, and forget parent blaming, our message is clear - your system is failing! 

We are more determined than ever that change is required - please do raise this issue and share the petition with your own MP if you can - it is needed more than ever,

Best wishes.

Maddie and Susan