For the past three years, the government has championed a "tough love" approach to tackling truancy. Fines for parents were increased in September 2012 from £50 to £60. A year later, the length of time parents are given to pay was reduced from 28 to 21 days. After this period, the fine doubles and parents then have just seven more days to pay to avoid being taken to court, where they can face a fine of up to £2,500 or imprisonment.
The government's definition of a persistent absentee was strengthened in October 2011 to cover those who miss 15 per cent of sessions rather than 20 per cent. This group accounts for around half of all unauthorised school absences.
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