One in six parents are “seriously considering” keeping their children out of school, a poll has revealed as ministers insist that fines will not be waived for truancy.

Nick Gibb, the schools minister, insisted that the rules on school attendance – including fines for parents who fail to send their children in – apply from today for schools in England.

Acknowledging that some parents will be concerned about Covid-19, he said that they should speak to the school’s headteacher who can explain about the safety and hygiene measures they have in place to keep children safe.

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