Should parents be prosecuted when their children miss school? Stories of term-time holidays dominate the news on this subject, but in this episode Rob and Penelope hear from Ellie Costello, Director of Square Peg, and Polly Sweeney of Rook Irwin Sweeney about the reality of persistent absenteeism: chronic illness, waitlists, and impossible attendance expectations. We discuss whether prosecution is the answer when children are frequently absent from school and how law-abiding families can suddenly find themselves facing prosecution while trying to navigate life-changing circumstances such as bereavement and cancer diagnoses.

Ellie Costello @teamsquarepeg

Polly Sweeney @polly_sweeney

Further Resources

Transform Justice

Website: www.transformjustice.org.uk

The Transform Justice podcast is hosted by Penelope Gibbs and Rob Allen and produced and edited by Alexandra Kimmons. With thanks to Burges Salmon LLP for use of their space.