PARENTS have been warned of a council's 'duty' to issue £60 fines for those who take their children out of school for term-time holidays.

As reported last week, Oxfordshire County Council has threatened to more frequently use its power to fine parents for holiday truancy.

Identical letters were shared by several Oxfordshire schools last week, circulating a message from the council.

READ AGAIN: Oxfordshire crackdown on term-time holidays

The letter, sent on by schools including Oxford Spires Academy, read: "[School name] is committed to ensuring that your child receives the best possible education to best prepare them for the next stage of their life.

"Each school day is carefully planned and each lesson informs a wider programme of learning.

"Therefore, every lesson really does count.

"Your child is a valued member of our school community and every day missed is a day lost without them.

"I am writing to you to ensure that you and all parents are aware of action that may be taken for unauthorised holiday in term time during the academic year when a request for leave due to exceptional circumstances is declined.

"Local authorities, schools and the police have the duty to issue penalty fines to parents or carers of children who are absent from school for the purpose of family holidays during term time without authorisation from the headteacher.

ALSO READ: Parents say fines will not deter them from term-time family holidays

"If permission is not given for exceptional leave...a referral will be made to the county attendance team to investigate the absence further and you may be liable for a penalty notice.

"This is a fine of £60 per parent/carer for each child absent from school.

"Such a notice gives you the opportunity to pay a penalty fine instead of being prosecuted.

"I would ask that all parents/carers consider any request for leave very carefully and work with us to promote full attendance and access to education.

"Please receive this letter as a positive approach which seeks to avoid the necessity for this action."

Previously the council has issued a warning letter before moving to consider a fine.