Closed petition Do not fine parents for children missing school for family funerals abroad

I would like Parliament to amend Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 to provide parents an exemption from fines when they take children abroad for a family funeral. The exemption should apply for 10 days per school year.

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Parents who have moved from abroad and are raising children here may have the majority of their family still abroad. Some parents from other countries who have taken their children out of school for close family events, such as weddings and funerals, have been fined. I think it's unfair to penalise parents who have a genuine interest in their child's education.

This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months

87 signatures

Progress of the petition towards its next target: 87 of 10,000 signatures required to get a government response

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10,000 signatures required to get a government response

Date closed 29 March 2026
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