Is it right to fine parents who take their children out of school during term time?
Many parents will be aware of the struggle in affording a family holiday each year, especially when prices rise dramatically during the school summer holidays. Some parents have previously chosen to take their children out of school during term time in order to have a family holiday. There are many reasons for this including the fact some parents are unable to get time off work during the six week summer break.
Parents can now be fined for taking their children out of school during term time without having first gained the school’s permission. It is important that if parents are planning on doing this, they speak with their children’s head teacher or the head of the school to see what specific rules and regulations the school has in place for unauthorised absences.
However, one parent is currently challenging the rules on fining parents and is taking his case to court. He is refusing to pay a fine of £120 after taking his children to a family member’s memorial service, arguing that the prosecution is a breach of the Human Rights Act. Many will be watching with anticipation to see how his case does and whether it will impact on schools and local authorities fining parents.
Amanda Crowe is a divorce solicitor at Barker Gotelee, Solicitors in Ipswich.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – click here for more information on our services