Cheaper holidays ‘no excuse’ for term-time absences

FRESH guidance for circumstances in which pupils in English schools can be given time off during term-time have been drawn up.

There has been a rise in fines for unauthorized absences following a crackdown. But now guidelines have been drafted by head teachers union NAHT, with funerals, weddings, and religious events being deemed as acceptable “exceptional circumstances”. 

The guidance would also permit time off for children to see parents returning from duty with the armed forces. 

Cheaper holidays will not be “a good enough reason”.

There have been 60,000 fines handed out to parents for removing children without permission. Not all were for holidays. 

The penalty fine is £60 per child which rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days. If parents refuse to pay, local authorities can prosecute, with a maximum fine of £2,500 or three months in jail.

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