School absences will be met with fines next term, in a government move heavily criticised by parents, headteachers and unions.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says attendance will be compulsory from September and will hand out fines to parents if they don't have a good reason.

KMTV's Joe Coshan reports

The decision has been slammed by headteachers across Kent though who say they're still worried they may not be able to reopen safely come the new term.

A school in Swanley however have found a creative way to open and stay safe.

However secondary schools - which generally have a much higher student intake - are worried that having the whole school return will make social distancing impossible.

Ken Moffat, head teacher of Simon Langton Boys' Grammar School in Canterbury, believes many secondaries will be unable to reopen safely if all pupils are forced to return in September.

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