Fines for term-time holidays almost double in a year - MSE News

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The number of fines issued to parents of schoolchildren in England for unauthorised family holiday absences shot up last year by 93%, new figures reveal...
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'Fines for term-time holidays almost double in a year'

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'Fines for term-time holidays almost double in a year'

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Every day matters right?
I think it is a hangover from the days of Labour government and their idea that all must have prizes. School trips are fine because the whole class go. But your child can't be seen to have something more than the others, like a holiday away from home.
Shorthand for Inset Days was Baker Days. They were named after Kenneth Baker the Secretary of State for Education in Thatcher's government 30 years ago.
Baker took 5 days a year off teachers' holidays to be used for training. Children's holidays remained the same.
With trips, schools can ask for contributions to pay for the travel and entrance fees etc but these are voluntary. Unfortunately if parents didn't 'volunteer' to pay, the trips wouldn't happen as they don't have the funds to pay for everyone.
That seems ridiculous. I can maybe understand not using a religiously-dedicated building in case someone's beliefs forbid you entering such a venue, but not using a village hall while closing an important service like a school doesn't make sense.
Are the decisions about venues taken at too high a level (e.g. county council level)?
I suspect it's about money and who owns the various properties. If the council only owns the school then it's effectively 'free' for them to use that.
Primary school found out a couple of days before we went, and provided homework. Secondary school were called on the Monday to inform them of the absence. The lady on the other side of the phone said she wished she was with us, and hoped we had a nice time.
We went for 10 days, 5 days off school, then the February break.
Last year we'll do it though, secondary school son has exams from next year (3rd year, we're in Scotland) but it was all handled sensibly.
It is up to the local authority to determine any sanctions for persistent truancy.