News

Parents would change vote over holiday ban policy

An overwhelming majority of parents disagree with the ban on term-time holidays and many would even change who they vote for over the policy, a survey has suggested.

Almost 3,000 parents were polled in the study by the campaign group Parents Want a Say, with 97 per cent either disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with the ban.

Parents face fines if they take their children out of school during term after a new law was introduced by the coalition government in September 2013.

Previously, headteachers had the discretion to allow up to 10 days authorised absence. Now, parents face a £60 fine per child, per period of absence. This rises to £120 if not paid promptly, and could become a £2,500 fine or three-month jail sentence if parents refuse to pay.

Previously, fines were handed out to parents over issues of truancy or repeated poor attendance.

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