New call to scrap term-time holiday fines
Education experts are calling for the ban on term-time holidays to be scrapped.
The Local Government Association says the outright ban, introduced in September 2013, does not recognise the complexities of family life and head teachers should be able to take a "common-sense approach" to requests.
LGA chairman David Simmonds said: "Common sense must prevail in cases when mums and dads ask to take their child out of school during term-time if there is a legitimate reason.
"An outright ban is too simplistic and doesn’t recognise that family life and circumstances aren’t always so black and white.
"We shouldn’t have a system where family holidays are just for the rich."
Under the new rules, head teachers can only grant absence during term time under ‘exceptional circumstances’. The Department for Education claims the new rules still allow for flexibility.
Parents face an immediate fine of £60 per child, which rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days.
Those who refuse to pay face a maximum fine of £2,500 and a jail sentence.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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