With the rising cost of living and extortionate increase in flight costs in recent years, holidays abroad are becoming more expensive than ever.
In a consultation published on Friday, June 17 parents were warned that taking their children out of school during term time would result in a fine of up to £120.
This is part of a new government scheme made to crack down on parents.
We asked readers: ‘Is it fair parents are fine if they take their children out of school for a family holiday?’
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Parents in Bracknell were divided regarding this issue, however 90% believe a combination of over-priced holidays, life experience and financial situation should be considered.
Reader, Sarah Park mentions that the psychological benefit to children getting a family holiday compared to missing a few days of school is important.
She commented on our Facebook post: “Some parents just cannot afford a holiday unless it’s term time.
“I tend to think the benefit to the child psychologically of getting a family holiday far outweigh missing a few days of school especially if work is given and what’s missed is made up.
“Sometimes the last few days of school before a holiday almost no work is done anyway as the children are all tired they have fun days. It’s far too inflexible not to consider the child’s needs as a whole rather than just their educational needs. Travel can also be very educational.”
Many parents who argued that the fine was unfair, agreed that taking their child on holiday during term-time was the only way to afford to give them that worthwhile experience of visiting another country and experiencing other cultures.
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Narc Hone also said that the situation is multi-faceted with many questions and circumstances should considered before a fine is issued. For example, ‘Should holidays be prevented from being more expensive, should schools offset their term times to flatten the demand on companies and hopefully lower demand and prices, and should the government subsidy to parents during peak demands among many other questions.'
Many believe that the £60 - £120 fine that would be issued for a child’s absence is worth paying compared to the substantial difference in holiday price taken during school holidays.
Patsy Tee said: “£60. It’s nothing, I’ve paid it before & will pay it again when holidays are so expensive in school holidays. We’re going away next week & id rather pay the fine (if we get one) than the extra £1500 for the exact same holiday just a few days later.”
Some parents however do feel that taking a child out of school for a family holiday is jeopardising their education.
Sarah B Radshaw said: “Parents shouldn’t take their children out during term time unless for a specific reason that is unavoidable.
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“How would you feel if teachers took their holidays when they wanted to, then no provision to teach your child. The children will miss out on valuable teaching which has been shown during the past 2 years the detriment of missed schooling.”
The debate is on-going throughout the country amongst many parents. According to the thoughts of most of our readers the real question should be "Should holiday companies make it cheaper to holiday in the school holidays?"
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