Are School Fines Set To Change?

Strict rules on term-time holidays “does not always favour families” says the Local Government Association.

10:19 23 October 2015

In 2013, strict new rules were implemented to force parents not to take their children out on a holiday during school days. The strict rule, according to the Local Government Association has said, “doest not always favour families.”

 

Campaigners said that that “blanket ban” remains unworkable. Under the scheme, children can only miss school if their head teacher grants them permission, which is only given in “exceptional circumstances.” Those who violate are fined £60 and face a £2500 additional fine, a community order, and up to three months in prison, if prosecuted.

 

Councilor Roy Perry said that family holidays can have "social and emotional benefits which are of lasting value and support to children.”

 

"It should not be something for which they are unduly punished," he said.

 

However, school minister Nick Gibb remained firm about parents following the existing rule. He said: it "always been the case that you should not take time out of terms to go on holiday".

 

He explained that absences disrupt teachers’ planning, affect the education of other children, and affect the child themselves.

 

"Our data shows that just a week off per year leading up to the GCSE courses can reduce the chances of that child getting good GCSEs by about a quarter," he said.