Booking holidays during term time
Many parents face this dilemma when booking their Walt Disney World holiday. Mainly because the difference in holiday costs between term time and school holidays can be high.
A study published by the University of Law in 2023 found 56% of parents have taken their children on holiday during school time.
The change
Prior to August 2024 local councils made the decision about fining parents who take their children out of school for holidays for more than 10 consecutive sessions. That works out at 5 days in a row, including days surrounding school holidays. Each council had their own policy. This means they had the responsibility to make decisions about when to issue fines. Some parents in one county had fines, whereas other parents in a different county did not.
Now that decision is changing. All local councils will work to the same standardised national framework. This means that when a child has an unauthorised absence of 5 consecutive days schools will need to consider a fine. They are also increasing the fine.
Fines Increasing
Fines will increase by £20 from this month. The parents of children missing 5 days or more of schooling for an unauthorised absence will face fines of £80 if they pay in the first 21 days. £160 if they the fine within 28 days.
The government say that fines will be capped to two fines over a three year period. If you face a second fine in this time, for say another holiday, the cost will be £160 whenever you pay.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL leader’s union, said: “It was important to understand that these fines predominantly relate to pupils who are taken out of school for term time holidays.”
The increasing fine and stronger stance is something that all parents with school aged children looking to book holidays during term-time need to consider.
A question many parents face
Facebook groups are full of people asking the question about whether taking children out of school for term time holidays is worth it. This news will hopefully help parents to make an informed decision.
For anyone looking for more information about this change and school absence it is available here: Fines for parents for taking children out of school: What you need to know – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)
