Poll: Should schools be able to fine 'bad parents'?
Teachers should confront "bad parents" and heads should be given powers to fine mothers and fathers who fail to support their children's education, the chief inspector of schools has said.
Sir Michael Wilshaw called for headteachers to be given the authority to impose financial penalties on parents who allow homework to be left undone, miss parents' evenings or fail to read with their children.
The head of the schools watchdog Ofsted also said poverty was too often used as an excuse for educational failure among white working-class families, whose children were often out-performed by those from immigrant communities.
His comments come after Education Secretary Michael Gove indicated that parents will face "stronger sanctions" if they fail to ensure their children turn up to school and behave properly, potentially in the form of deductions from benefits.
Should schools be able to fine 'bad parents'? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comment box below.
Star comment: Should we punish the parents?
