Parents angry at the Government’s travel policy have secured a small victory after their petition gathered enough support to trigger a Parliamentary debate
MPs are set to discuss the prospect of allowing parents to take their children out of school for up to 10 days a year without facing a penalty. It comes as a growing number of families said the cost of a holiday during the peak summer season was beyond their means.
The move has gained momentum in the light of figures from campaign group Fight School Fines showing average package holiday costs jumping by 18% during school breaks, with some destinations witnessing price surges as high as 28% per traveller. The expense can double, or even triple in some cases, when sticking to designated holiday periods.
A petition urging the right for parents to remove kids from school for 10 days is now set for Parliamentary debate. That is because the bid has amassed 181,597 signatures.
READ MORE: What to do if a neighbour’s tree overhangs your garden – and who’s responsibleREAD MORE: Subtle signs of heart disease you should never ignore including stomach pain
The petition’s intro reads: “We’re seeking reform to the punitive policy for term time leave that disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure and criminalises parents that we think are making choices in the best interests of their families. No family should face criminal convictions.”
It then adds: “We are calling for reform of legislation on taking children out of school urgently.”
In its response to the petition, the Government has said: “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity by supporting every child to achieve and thrive at school, working with parents and protecting children’s right to education. On holidays in particular, we understand that some parents wish to avoid peak periods.
“However, the school year is structured in such a way as to provide plenty of time throughout the year for holidays outside of term-time, and schools also have considerable flexibility to plan term dates themselves, and hold inset days and other occasional days at less busy times of the year.”
More than half of UK families are now prepared to take their children out of school during term time to bag a cheaper holiday, according to another survey on family summer savings. The study by Park Christmas Savings revealed that nearly half of UK families can’t afford a holiday this summer due to rising costs in travel, household bills and childcare, reports Plymouth Live.
In addition, more than one third has admitted to lying to conceal their cost-cutting decision to secure a more affordable family getaway. Three quarters of families believed that childcare should be free during the summer holidays to alleviate the pressure on working parents, the survey said.
‘Family break becoming impossible’
Amy Peebles, personal finance expert at Park Christmas Savings, said: “Affordable, flexible childcare and crippling costs have put UK households under enormous pressure. It means that a well-earned family break is becoming impossible for the majority. Last year, 443,322 school holiday fines were handed out in England, as per the Department for Education – a 24% increase from the previous year, and triple the amount in 2016-17.
“In August last year, first-time fines for taking a child out of school were bumped up to £80. The rules stipulate that schools must consider a fine if a child is absent for five or more days. The £80 fine doubles to £160 if it isn’t paid within 21 days.
“A second fine for the same child will automatically be £160. If a child is taken out of school for a third time then parents can face prosecution – with fines reaching up to £2,500.”
READ MORE: Warning to car owners without driveway as change set to impact two millionREAD MORE: Diet that combines eating plans ‘helps with IBS symptoms’
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called for a nationwide initiative to address the widespread issue of school absence. She said: “We need a national effort to tackle the epidemic of school absence. When children miss school unnecessarily, all children suffer, as teachers’ attention is diverted to helping them catch back up, and we will not apologise for ensuring every child is in school accessing high and rising standards so they can achieve and thrive.”