A Norfolk MP's call for the government to consider allowing parents to take their children out of school in term time for up to five days a year has been given short shrift in Parliament.

Rupert Lowe, Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth, asked whether education secretary Bridget Phillipson would look into the potential merits of the idea.

Rupert Lowe, Reform UK MP for Great YarmouthRupert Lowe, Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth (Image: Newsquest)

Parents currently face fines if a child misses five days of school without permission within a rolling 10-week school period.

School absence fines increased from £60 to £80 this academic year (rising from £120 to £160 if not paid within 21 days) as part of a government drive to boost attendance after the pandemic.

A parent who receives a second fine for the same child within a three-year period will automatically receive a £160 fine under the changes.

Some parents have risked fines and taken children out of school to avoid hiked holiday costs during official school holidays.

But Mr Lowe's call for consideration of a change in tack was dismissed.

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Education minister Stephen MorganEducation minister Stephen Morgan (Image: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament)

Education minister Stephen Morgan said: "Tackling absence is at the heart of this government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

"If children are not in school, it does not matter how effective or well-supported teaching and learning is, they will not benefit.

"The government recognises school absence as a key barrier to learning.

"Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child of compulsory school age attends school regularly.

"Regular school attendance is vital for children’s attainment, mental wellbeing and long-term development.

"Taking children out of school during term time can damage their education and cause unnecessary disruption for teachers and other pupils.

"There are 175 days per year when pupils are not expected to be in school which gives families various opportunities to enjoy holidays.

"Thanks to the sector's efforts, more students are attending school this year compared to last.

"However 1.6m children remain persistently absent, missing 10pc or more of lessons."

Norfolk County Council issued more than 10,000 fines for unauthorised school absencesNorfolk County Council issued more than 10,000 fines for unauthorised school absences (Image: Press Association)

Norfolk County Council issued more than 10,130 penalties during the last academic year, the highest on record.

That was up on 7,791 in the 2022/23 academic year and 2,980 in 2021/22, which was during the coronavirus pandemic.

Money collected from fines is used to fund the prosecution of offences in the cases of non-payment and any left over is spent on attendance support, says County Hall.