This month has seen children around the city head back to school for the first time in months. However hundreds of children in Bristol have been sent home to self-isolate after six schools in the city have confirmed cases.
Seven cases across six schools in the Bristol area have been confirmed including at Two Mile Hill Primary School in Kingsway and John Williams Oasis Academy in Hengrove.
And this news could cause parents to question whether they should send their children to school - but what are the rules on keeping your little ones at home and could you get fined?
Earlier this year the Government said parents would not be fined if they decided not to send their children to school. However this has now changed and on the Government's website it says 'usual rules on attendance will apply' when autumn term time commences.
And according to The Independent, on Monday, June 29, Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson said it is 'compulsory' for children to attend school at the start of the academic year unless they have a 'good reason' not to.
What's more, on Monday, August 24 Nick Gibb, Education Minister that fines for those who do not attend school would be a 'last resort.'
How much is a fine?
An initial fine of £60 an be charged to parent by local authorities if their child doesn't attend school.
However this can double if the fine is not paid within three weeks.
Following confirmed coronavirus cases in multiple Bristol schools, Alison Hurley, Bristol City Council's director for education and skills, said: "All the schools have robust measures in place to ensure they can quickly respond to any confirmed COVID-19 cases and prevent the spread of infection to other students and school staff."
She went on to say: “While this is a worrying time for parents, school really is the best place for children so please continue to send your children in. It is challenging for teachers, parents and students, but thank you to everyone for working together on this.
"We appreciate the next 14 days will be difficult for parents who need to manage having children at home, but it is extremely important we all follow the guidance when asked to."
You can find more information on the Government's website here.
