Parents handed big update in battle against term-time holiday fines

A female teacher engaging with three young students in a brightly lit classroom, with educational materials and a chalkboard in the background.

The campaign against fines for parents who take their children out of school for holidays has reached a significant milestone. Parents often find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to booking family holidays.

During school breaks such as summer, Christmas, Easter and half-terms, the cost of travelling with children can soar. Airlines, hotels, holiday parks and entertainment providers all increase prices during these peak times, making every penny count for cash-strapped families.

However, taking a child out of school can result in a fine from local authorities, leaving parents to decide which option would be more financially damaging.

Under national regulations, schools are obliged to consider fining parents when a child has missed the equivalent of 10 days due to unauthorised absences. In August 2024, the cost of these fines rose for the first time since 2012. Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2057881/parents-update-school-holiday-fine