A council in England has has temporarily abolished automatic fines for parents taking their kids on holiday during term time.
Derbyshire County Council has changed its rules while awaiting for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the fines given to parents.
Pupils in the area will be allowed to go on a term-time holiday as long as their total attendance over the previous year was 94% or above.
However, the council is recommending this should only be done in exceptional circumstances.
Open Image Modal
David Aaron Troy via Getty Images
A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson told The Huffington Post UK: “We strongly recommend that pupils should not be taken out of school during term time and do not endorse parents taking them on holiday when they should be in the classroom.
“We’ve approved new interim arrangements around unauthorised pupil absences following the Isle of Wight High Court ruling to provide schools with clear guidance to help them make decisions about when penalty notices should be issued.”
The spokesperson continued: “Even a small amount of time out of school can adversely affect pupils’ academic achievement and under the new arrangements penalty notices will continue to be issued where all absence, including illness and unauthorised holiday absence, results in an overall attendance of 94% or below.
“We believe the arrangements provide a fair and proportionate approach while we await the outcome of a Supreme Court ruling, but they do not change our view that pupils should not be taken out of school during term time and we do not condone parents taking their children on term-time holidays.”
In the school year 2015/16, there were 2,806 penalty notices issued in Derbyshire and 2,676 were for unauthorised holidays.
This figure was down on 2014/15 when 3,174 fines were issued by the county council on behalf of schools. The majority were for unauthorised holidays.
10 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Family Holidays
Get Off The Beaten Track(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
“We’re seeing a trend in families seeking out more authentic travel experiences that will inspire rather than distract their children,” says Tom. “There are plenty of unexpected destinations that are kid-friendly without being completely kid-focused that offer incredible experiences that will excite kids and grown-ups of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin himself and visit the Galapagos Islands—perfect for any budding zoologist. Heading to Australia? Try going walkabout with Aboriginal tribes in Australia. Or if you fancy a safari then why not meet the young Massai and learn of their ‘rites of passage’— even in our well-travelled world, there are still opportunities to find truly unique experiences, as long as you know where to look.” (credit:Alamy)
Find A Helping Hand(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
“Sometimes just getting your family out of the door can feel like an impossible task, let alone planning an entire holiday. This is where travel specialists come in,” says Tom. “For example we make sure that every single visa, airport transfer, flight and hotel is booked and ready to go so that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.” (credit:Alamy)
Be Prepared – And Do Your Research(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
“The new generation of family traveller is not boxed in by perceived limitations, but even the most intrepid traveller needs to do their research”, warns Tom. “Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and you don’t want to arrive in your destination to find yourself stuck in the monsoon season or in the middle of an unwanted national holiday.” (credit:Alamy)
Get Physical(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
“Nothing brings a family closer than a thrilling physical challenge and in our internet age we’re seeing an increasing number of parents eager to get to get their children to ditch the computer games and explore the great outdoors. From jungle trekking in Borneo to hiking the cracks and boulders of Yosemite National Park, there are plenty of exhilarating trips to choose from these days.” (credit:Alamy)
Learn Something New(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
“For a trip that your children will truly cherish forever, why not try giving them a new perspective or introduce them to a new sport?” suggests Tom. “Experiences that can ignite new passions and hobbies.” (credit:Alamy)
Go Wild(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
“A safari is a classic option for that big family adventure but if you truly want to capture their imagination then give them a safari holiday with a twist. Swap your traditional 4x4 for a quad bike and skid across the plains of South Africa or grab a canoe and see the Big Five in action from the water in the magnificent Selinda Spillway in Botswana—there’s nothing better than ending the day hotly debating your favourite wildlife encounters of the day.” (credit:Alamy)
Find A Good Crèche(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
“There’s no need to wait until children are walking and talking to take that trip of a lifetime—there are plenty of resorts and hotels that offer spectacular kids club facilities to keep the younger travellers entertained and give you a well-deserved rest.” (credit:Alamy)
On The Road(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
“One of my favourite choices of holiday for 2013 is the quintessential road trip. For kids that are happy in a car, America’s West Coast offers the ideal combination of adventure and incredible scenery. From behind the bars of San Francisco’s Alcatraz to the majesty of Big Sur, the constant change in scenery is sure to keep the whole family entertained. You can even make the obligatory day trip to Disneyland and be back sipping cocktails in Santa Monica by sundown.” (credit:Alamy)
Something For The Weekend(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
“You don’t have to travel half way across the world to create a family holiday that will stick in the memory bank—a quick trip or city break can offer just as many rare and memorable experiences for even the most discerning (and tiny) travellers”, suggests Tom. “ For something more exotic, a quick flight to Marrakech gives kids a chance to revel in the chaos of the souk, ride camels, and try their first tagines. “ (credit:Alamy)
Time To Yourself(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
“As parents look to enrich and inspire their children’s lives with travel, they too often forget to include time to themselves in their busy schedule. A holiday should be just that and it’s important to give yourself some downtime while the kids are entertaining themselves. Indulge in a spa treatment or try an evening of wining and dining in a gourmet restaurant.” (credit:Alamy)