One in five schoolchildren could be hit by increased absence fines, experts warn

Around one in five schoolchildren are at risk of being fined for skipping school under new government guidelines, new research suggests.

Disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs are the most likely to be fined, according to the analysis, which suggests 1.7million children could face penalties in the future.

It comes after the Department for Education issued new guidance on absence, which includes a requirement to consider fining