Parents fined £2k for taking kids on holiday during term time - but say they still saved £3.2k

Parents hit with a £2k fine for whisking their kids away on a term-time holiday claim they have "no regrets" despite the hefty penalty, as they still managed to save £3.2k on their dream trip.

Rebekah Richardson, 38, and Dale Wood, 46, were determined to give their children - Jacob, eight, and Oliver, seven - an unforgettable experience at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Shocked by the staggering £5k price hike during the October half-term compared to September, the couple opted for the cheaper term-time getaway, only to be met with substantial fines from Derbyshire County Council.

Should parents be able to take their children on holiday in term time, without being fined?

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The council's fixed penalty notices demanded £924 from Rebekah and £1,044 from Dale, leaving them struggling financially, although they've now arranged a payment plan. Clowne-based hairdresser Rebekah expressed her frustration, saying: "We're being treated as criminals for taking our young kids on holiday."

She continued, "I feel as parents we're penalised for everything now." But she stands by their decision, adding: "I have no regrets as a parent - I think you can't ever regret spending time together as a family."

Highlighting the inconsistency in enforcement, she lamented, "The fine situation it's like Russian roulette some get fined some don't which is unfair."

"Either every parent gets fined or none you can't pick and choose - I don't think we should get criminal records." Dale, an army veteran who now works for a water company, had been suffering from PTSD after his brother, Gavin, died suddenly aged 35 - after complications arising from taking the Covid vaccine.

The holiday - from September 12 to September 27 - was in part a getaway as he had been suffering with his mental health and the destination was his late brother Gavin's favourite place. Rebekah said the holiday was "magical" but now worries that she will have to cancel Christmas for her family as they are "totally skint."

Rebekah said: "We went swimming with the dolphins the kids loved it, they even held an alligator. They loved meeting all the Marvel characters and meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse."

"It was so nice to get away but now we are very stressed because and worried what will happen." On Tuesday, May 30, Rebekah and Dale were stunned to receive a court summons - ordering Rebekah to pay £924 and Dale £1,044 for failing to send their children to school.

To make matters worse, Dale - who earns a wage via contracts - had been off work since January due to his mental health and only returned three weeks ago. Rebekah said: "Dale wasn't working in November and doesn't earn a regular daily wage - we are now really skint."

"When the fine came through in December 2023, it was the difference between having Christmas and not." The couple are currently disputing the amount - due to their financial circumstances changing.

"We are scared will now have a criminal record and it will go against our credit rating," Rebekah said. Rebekah says she knows of other parents who have done the same who have not been fined and says "it's not fair" that it's one rule for some and a different rule for others.

The family are now behind on every bill and has had to set up a direct debit to pay £ 170 a month to pay off the fine and say they're struggling. "We're being treated as criminals for taking our kids on holiday, they're not year 11 and sitting GCSEs," Rebekah said.

"And it's alright for teachers to go on strike which made me have to unpaid time off as I am self-employed."

Breakdown of trip the Woods' family trip:

Out of term time flights and accommodation in a package - £ 3,000 tickets for Orlando Studios - £1,200 tickets for Disneyland (for three days) - £1,100 Total: £5,200.

During school holiday flights and accommodation in a package - £ 6,200 Family tickets for Orlando Studios - £ 2,100 Family tickets for Disneyland (for three days) - £2,100.

Total spent - £10,400Saving - £5,200Savings after fines - £3,200.