Parents are desperate to escape with their children during the peak school holidays. Research shows that average package vacation rates rose 18% during school breaks, with some hotspots seeing an increase of up to 28% per person compared to off-peak trips. Prices are known to be doubled in some cases.
The protest sparked a campaign for legal reforms to allow parents to take their children out of school for holidays without being financially punished. As it stands, families face penalty fines set at £80 within 21 days and then £160.
The petition on the Congress website, defended by 73,530 supporters and approved by the Ministry of Education, is gaining momentum. Campaign leader and parent Natalie Elliott is hoping for change and urges the government to:
“We are seeking reforms to punitive policy for term times, which disproportionately affects families who are already under great pressure and criminalizes parents who think they are making choices in their family's best interests. Families should not be convicted criminally!
“The issue of sending has also been ignored, and some children believe they are discriminated against because strict guidelines are in place. Many of the senders have disabilities and are protected under the Equality Act. They are calling for reforms to the law that will evict children in a difficult position.”
The Ministry of Education acknowledges sympathy for parents who face challenges in ensuring their children's attendance at school for a variety of reasons. The statement said: “Absence is one of the biggest barriers to success for children and young people, and is hampering post-pandemic surges.
“It is one of the biggest barriers to supporting children for opportunities and achievement. The latest DFE data shows that children attending school every day are twice as likely to achieve a good GCS compared to those who miss two weeks a year.
“Stable cancellation of absence disruptively disrupts learning for all children that plan learning and interferes with the learning of sequences. It also has a significant impact on the hard work of school staff to develop a sense of community and belonging.”
Regarding holiday topics during the period, the department said, “We understand that some parents want to avoid peak periods, especially on holidays. However, the grade is made up of a way that provides ample time throughout the year on non-period holidays, providing considerable flexibility to plan the school itself, and difficult to meet set days.
Those interested can read the full comprehensive government response and show support for the petition by following this link.
