Four and a half years on - we’re still here, and still campaigning

Hello everyone,

More than four and a half years have passed since we launched this petition on 16 February 2022. We wanted to reconnect and thank you for standing alongside us and the families this campaign represents. 

We’re still passionate about not fining and prosecuting families where children and young people can't attend school - and the many reasons for this. Alongside this, we’ve been navigating our own children’s education and support, and everything that comes with family life.

Our children have grown older - Harleigh is now 14! With specialist support and education that meets his needs, he has been able to blossom. Maddie will share more about their family’s journey, with some photos, in an upcoming update.

Our reason for starting this petition remains just as important: children who face barriers to attending school, whatever the reason, need understanding and support - not punishment. Families should  simply not ever face  fines and prosecution when their children cannot attend school.

We also have news to share about Unauthorised Absence, the film many of you helped come into being last year.  We are bursting to tell you about this film! There is now a trailer, and we’ll also bring you an update from the amazing filmmakers, Jo and Natalie, soon.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll share more about our families, the film and  what's happening with our campaign - there are some exciting plans on the horizon, and we have a renewed sense of optimism for changes ahead.

Thank you for your continued support. You're still here too, and we appreciate it. Please help us reach more people by sharing the petition today.  And, whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or have recently joined, thank you for adding your voice to our campaign,

Susan and Maddie