A REIGATE mum and travel expert has urged the Government to re-think a law fining parents who take children on holiday during school term time.
In September last year, the Government passed legislation to remove "family holiday" as a reason to take children out of school. If parents flout the law, they face a £240 fine for the unauthorised absence.
Louise Hodges risked a hefty fine when she took her two children out of school – Holmesdale infants and Reigate Priory juniors – for a couple of days for a family holiday, but has argued common sense should prevail in some situations.
"I can't speak for all parents, I wouldn't take my children out for a whole week or two weeks, but I know that the last couple of days of term, they're just watching films or playing games.
"It's not algebra or sitting A levels. If they're doing well at school and there aren't any issues with their schooling, and they have a high attendance, it shouldn't be a big problem. I would do it again."
The issue has come to light as the cost of a family trip during school holidays continues to soar well above term-time prices.
Mrs Hodges said even 48 hours could make the difference between getting a cheaper deal or paying up to £50 extra per person for a flight during the holidays.
Antagonising the situation, Mrs Hodges says, is the fact families with children in private education are not liable for fines if they take their children out of school during term time for holidays, unlike those with children in state schools.
Mrs Hodges, along with Travelzoo Europe where she works as head of communications, is fighting the "parent trap" – the combined effect of the world's highest flight tax, fines for parents taking children out of school, and the increasing cost of travel during school holidays.
She added it was not the travel agencies to blame for the inflated prices.
"One of the things that worries us is it's too easy to point the blame at the travel companies," she said. "Pricing by travel agencies in Reigate High Street is dictated by airlines which set their own prices. A lot of it they [travel agencies] can't control. It's dictated by global players."
Mrs Hodges said another government plan to stagger school holidays also would not work, adding: "If ten schools in Surrey were on holiday at the same time, that's not going to impact on the price of a hotel in Spain."
A survey found more than half (53 per cent) of Surrey parents would take their children out of school for a holiday.
And 73 per cent thought it was unfair parents of private school pupils are not subjected to the same law as those of state school children.
At the same time, those families could benefit from cheaper prices as private schools have shorter terms, meaning they would avoid peak holiday times.
Mrs Hodges said: "Why should they be above the law if they pay for education?"
Mrs Hodges suggested one solution was to reward parents who take children away during school holidays with a refund on flight tax (Air Passenger Duty).
She added: "We would like to see the Government consult with the travel industry before pushing through new legislation that has a direct impact on the market we operate within."
Should parents be allowed to take their children out of school during term time? Call the newsdesk on 01737 783867 or e-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk
The facts
69 per cent of parents feel it's deeply unfair private school families don't get fined for taking their children out of school in term time
73 per cent are fed up that private school families can depart on holiday ahead of state schools
The cost of flights can increase by over 80 per cent between when private schools and state schools break up
Because of this, 53 per cent of parents are willing to risk fines by taking their children out of school during term time
50 per cent of UK parents have already lied to schools about their child's absence to avoid fines
67 per cent are prepared to be dishonest about absence to save money
Higher income earners are the biggest culprits
One in ten parents would report a family lying to a school about taking holidays during term time
Top 5 justifications to take holidays in term time
1. Child's attendance is us above 90 per centcnet
2. Unable to take annual leave
3. Family commitments
4. Child has a medical condition
5. Child is performing well
