Parents are being hit with a stark warning about taking their children out of school for holidays as fines have been hiked up to £160 in a renewed push to keep kids in the classroom. The crackdown on attendance comes at a time when many families are considering their 2025 summer getaways.
With the cost of holidays during school breaks often significantly higher, some parents opt to travel during term time despite the risk of fines. However, this year, those flouting the rules will be hit harder in the pocket.
Initially set at £80, the fine will double to £160 if not paid within three weeks. Previously, penalties stood at £60, rising to £120 if not settled promptly. The increase, which took effect in September under a new national framework, reflects the growing exasperation of headteachers and government officials over student absences.
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Coventry City Council said it would employ a ‘support first’ approach over absences. The council website said: “The new National Framework (Introduced 19th August 2024) introduces consistency in the use of Penalty Notices across England by introducing a new national threshold at which they are considered. The framework increases the amount of the Penalty Notice and introduces a new national limit of 2 Penalty Notices within a 3-year rolling period to break cycles of repeat offending.
“In line with the guidance, Coventry City Council will prioritise the ‘support first’ approach expecting that support will have been offered to families in cases where it is appropriate. However, Penalty Notices can be issued without a Notice to Improve in cases where support is not appropriate (such as leave of absence in term time) or when support has not been engaged with.”
The issue remains contentious, with many parents claiming holiday costs during official breaks are unaffordable or unjustifiably high. Nick Drewe, a discount specialist at Wethrift, commented on the dilemma, saying: “We’re living in particularly tough times financially, so term-time holiday deals have often been a lifeline for families who want to get away without breaking the bank,” reports Birmingham Live.
“These new fines, however, make that option much harder for many households. Last-minute holidays are often cheaper as a result of travel and airline companies trying to fill their empty rooms and seats.
“It is much more cost-effective for them to make some money than no money, so most of the time customers can take advantage of last-minute discounts. When planning your next family break, consider booking it right before you plan on setting off. If you’re flexible with dates within the six-week holiday period, this can facilitate even better savings.”