A petition campaigning for school absence penalty fees to be scrapped has gained momentum, with MPs in Parliament set for a debate on the issue that has troubled parents — but when can a child miss school?
Parents might soon be able to take their children out of school for up to 10 days a year without facing hefty fines.
MPs are set to discuss the prospect in Parliament after a petition gained traction in light of shock figures released from the campaign group Fight School Fines. The figures show that an average package holiday jumps by 18 per cent during school breaks, with some destinations witnessing price surges as high as 28 per cent per traveller.
The expense can double, or even triple in some cases, when sticking to designated holiday periods, making it impossible for some families to enjoy a getaway. Now having accumulated more than 181,000 signatures, the petition 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.”
So, when is it possible to take a child out of school during term-time? And when can you find yourself being penalised?
When can you take your child out of school?
Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16. You’ll be contacted by the school if your child doesn’t turn up, even if they’re only absent for a day. This means any child under the age of five in reception can legally miss school.
A child can also miss school if they are too ill to go in, or if parents or guardians have obtained permission in advance from the school. Headteachers at state schools in England can give permission for term-time absences in “exceptional circumstances”.
Circumstances can include visiting a seriously ill family member, attending a close family member’s funeral, or if a family member in the Armed Forces is returning from operations. Children can also be absent from school if they have a medical appointment or when they are absent for religious observance.
Fines
Under the national rules, all schools are required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons. A parent can be fined £80 by their local council. If it’s not paid within 21 days, it can rise to £160. From the 2024 to 2025 school year, each parent will only get up to two fines for the same child in a three-year period.
If you get a second fine in three years, it will be £160. If you do not pay the fine in 28 days, you may be taken to court for keeping your child out of school. If your child is off school three or more times within the three years without reason, you will not be fined but may be taken to court.
Figures from the Department of Education show for the 2023/24 school year, councils issued 443,322 fines for unauthorised holidays (out of a total of 487,344 total unauthorised absences). That’s an increase of 22 per cent from 398,800 compared to the 22/23 school year.
READ MORE: Ending fines for taking kids on term-time holidays to be debated by MPs