Term-time holiday parents warned they could face fines and even jail

Parents have been warned that they could be hit with hefty fines of £160 if they take their children out of school for a term-time holiday from August 2024, according to new guidelines. Legal expert Adam Pope, from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice, has offered a stern warning to any parents considering whisking their kids away on a term-time break about the serious consequences, which can even include jail time.

Adam said: "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 added: "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."

Pope also highlighted some startling figures, stating: "Almost 400,000 penalty notices were issued in England during 2022-23, mainly for unauthorised term-time holidays. The increase of parents taking children on holiday during school time can be attributed to the holiday prices, which increase by an average of 18% per person during school breaks compared to term time."

He said flying off to Greece, for example, can see the costs skyrocket 28% for each person during school breaks. He said it's important to comply with attendance rules to avoid legal repercussions, reports Birmingham 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 spokesperson for the Department for Education 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."