A group of MPs is demanding an immediate ban on schools fining parents for taking children on holiday during term time, labelling the current system as deeply unfair.
Parliamentary Debate Highlights Division
The controversial practice of issuing financial penalties was fiercely debated in Parliament, revealing it remains a divisive issue years after its introduction. The debate was triggered by a public petition that garnered an impressive 181,000 signatures, demonstrating significant public discontent.
Many families choose term-time breaks because holiday prices skyrocket during official school holidays. This has led to thousands of parents in the West Midlands alone receiving fines in recent years for defying the rules.
MPs Condemn 'Flawed' Fining System
MPs from across the political spectrum voiced strong criticism. Conservative MP Robbie Moore argued that the fines unfairly target generally law-abiding parents who value education. He stated the penalties are failing to tackle the real issue of persistent absenteeism while causing havoc for well-meaning families.
Labour MP Andrew Cooper highlighted the disproportionate impact on lower-income families, noting that the fine itself often becomes an additional financial burden they struggle to afford.
Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Committee, called fines a "very flawed area of policy", noting their ineffectiveness as a deterrent since the fine cost is almost always cheaper than the holiday price difference. She directed anger toward "exploitative" travel companies for their pricing strategies.
Government Defends Current Attendance Policy
Despite the cross-party criticism, the Government has indicated it will not change the current laws. Education minister Georgia Gould reaffirmed the commitment to boosting attendance levels, citing research showing that just an extra 10 days out of school halves a pupil's chance of achieving a grade 5 in English and maths.
She emphasised a "support first" approach but maintained the government's stance against allowing pupils to miss school without good reason, framing attendance as one of the biggest barriers to opportunity.
