Parents in Swindon have been outraged by schools becoming stricter on fining them for taking children on holiday during term time, and say paying the fine is cheaper than booking a holiday in the summer break.

Mum Laura said she was summoned to court for taking her children out of school for a family holiday, where they missed three days, despite having 100 per cent attendance prior to the absence.

“The only reason I put a request form in and didn’t say they were ill is because I wanted my child to be able to come into class and talk about the amazing trip she had just been on," Laura said.

The government website states parents need permission from head teachers if they want to take children out of school during term time and it’s up to head teachers to decide how many days children can be away from school. 

However, guidance on the Swindon Borough Council says: “Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their children attend school or the alternative provision on a regular basis.

“Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence (holiday) during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

"The headteacher and governing body will determine what the exceptional circumstances are and not the local authority.”

They inform parents that they may receive a Police and Criminal Evidence Questionnaire, to explain the absence and provide any relevant evidence, such as medical documentation.

They can also issue a fixed penalty notice of £60 to each parent - rising to £120 each if not paid within 21 days - but from August 2024, the rates will increase to £80 and £160 in line with inflation.

Additionally, the guidance states that if the fixed penalty notice is not paid within 28 days or if it's not the first time children have been taken on holiday during term time, parents may be charged up to £2,500, alongside a community order, a parenting order to attend parenting classes or a jail sentence of up to three months.

Swindon Borough Council says the fine cannot be appealed and if schools are not told about an upcoming holiday, the absence will be unauthorised and will result in a penalty.

But many parents have agreed that a cheaper holiday and quality family time outweighs missing school for a few days.

Jamie person said: “If the prices weren’t a rip off during the school holidays, parents wouldn’t need to do this. Family time and kids seeing different cultures is a way for them to learn, probably learn more on their holiday in a different country than they would missing school for a few days.”

Victoria said: “I disputed mine with the reasoning they had 100 per cent attendance prior to the holiday. I also argued that with three children I can not afford the difference in cost of holidays outside of term and it’s not fair to make them miss out on a family holiday and new experiences. The fine was removed.”

Meanwhile Martyn replied: “It’s all about following rules. What lesson are you teaching the kids for the future? No wonder the work ethic of some kids and young adults today is awful.”

According to the government website, 89 per cent of fines for unauthorised absences are issued for term-time holidays and research from the University of Law found 56 per cent of parents admitted taking their children out of school for a holiday, with half saying they would do it again.

“Let them take you to court, they won’t do anything as the welfare of your child has not been affected. It’s ridiculous. By doing this they’re actually targeting the wrong parents. Parents who are prioritising family time and their own child’s mental health are not the problem", said Charlie.