What are the fines for taking children on holiday in term time?

edmond

I would really like to take my 2 children 8 - 10 on holiday to Florida. This would be at the end of April first week May.
I realise its not the most ethical thing to do when it comes to education however to go on the same holiday in the school holidays can be 2 - 3 times more expensive.


From my understanding it could be £60 per child per week, can anyone please confirm?

agrinnall

It seems to be £60 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, or £120 if paid between 21 and 28 days - after that it's court and a possible £1000 fine. What isn't clear is whether that fine is per week or simply per absence.

https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence/legal-action-to-enforce-school-attendance

http://www.bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/education_and_skills/schools/school_holidays/holidays_during_term_time

duchy

Why not move it to the middle to end of May and use the half term week plus a week off . (The way you want to do it it's two weeks off , a few days back at school and then half term which makes little sense.)

That way the kids only miss one week of school and if the school have tagged a training day onto half term you'll be below the ten sessions missed (session is half a day) that the fine kicks in at.

Whilst at primary school and provided the kids aren't behind my personal view is a week won't hurt but two weeks can be unsettling and be a lot of catching up but once they go to high school the disadvantages outweigh the advantages and taking them out should be actively discouraged with fines as the pace of learning is faster.

edmond

Agreed its very confusing no clear guidelines.

Paully232000

duchy wrote: »

Why not move it to the middle to end of May and use the half term week plus a week off . (The way you want to do it it's two weeks off , a few days back at school and then half term which makes little sense.)

That way the kids only miss one week of school and if the school have tagged a training day onto half term you'll be below the ten sessions missed (session is half a day) that the fine kicks in at.

Whilst at primary school and provided the kids aren't behind my personal view is a week won't hurt but two weeks can be unsettling and be a lot of catching up but once they go to high school the disadvantages outweigh the advantages and taking them out should be actively discouraged with fines as the pace of learning is faster.

Is that for all schools, or just where you live?
Just asking as we are thinking of doing the same and would total two days missed.

Murphy_The_Cat

I understand that since the new Diktat came in, that no parents have been. fined in Cumbria - maybe do some research on your LEA's enforcement policies.

Rambosmum

It's per parent per child and starts on day 5 of an unauthorised absence. It can then, depending on your local authority be per 5 days, or per absence. Fines start at £50 but can be up to £100 again, depending on your L.A. If your children have 100% attendance most of the time you may not even get a fine.

A way round any fine would be to go Tuesday of the week before half term and back in school Wednesday of the week after.