Parents are being clamped down on with hefty fines of £160 if they dare to whisk their children away for a term-time holiday from August 2024, as per the latest stringent rules. Adam Pope from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice has issued a stern warning to parents contemplating a sneaky term-time getaway with their kids, cautioning them about the new repercussions that could even lead to imprisonment.

Adam cautioned: “If you’re considering taking your children on holiday during term time, it’s important to understand the legal implications beforehand. Fines currently start from £60 and can reach up to £120 per child if not paid within 21 days, with potential prosecution for non-payment after 28 days.”

He further explained: “Starting in August 2024, fines will increase along with a new national framework which will require schools to consider fines when a child misses ten or more sessions (five days) without authorisation. This aims to enforce consistent attendance rules across all schools.”

In the previous academic year alone, England saw nearly 400,000 penalty notices handed out, predominantly for unauthorised holidays during term-time. The surge in parents taking their offspring out of school for holidays is largely due to the significant price hikes, an average of 18% per person during school breaks compared to term time.

Adam highlighted: “Trips to Greece, for example, can increase prices by 28% per person during school breaks. Although the financial benefits may be tempting, it’s important to prioritise your child’s education and follow attendance regulations to avoid serious legal consequences,” reports Plymouth Live.

“Under the Education Act 1996, parents and carers in England have a legal duty to ensure their child receives full-time education from the term after their fifth birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16. They should also understand that there is no formal right of appeal against a penalty notice.”

A Department for Education spokesman stated: “In the majority of cases, schools and local authorities will try and provide support to help you improve your child’s attendance first, but if this isn’t effective or the absence is for unauthorised term time holiday, parents may face paying a fine.”

“Currently, it’s the responsibility of the local authority to decide when to issue fines to parents, meaning the process varies from council to council. However, under the new national framework, all schools will be required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons.

“From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. This rate is in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012.”

They added: “Fines are a last resort, and parents will be offered support to help improve their child’s attendance first. The vast majority of fines for unauthorised absence (89%) are issued for term time holidays.

“If your child is facing barriers to school attendance due to special education needs or disabilities (SEND), schools, local authorities and wider services are required to work together to provide the right support in the first place.”