Common sense urged over term-time breaks

OLDHAM is a hot spot for parents being fined for their children skipping school and so parents can take cheaper holidays.

Figures show 2,026 parents received penalty notices last year — the eighth highest number of any local authority area in England.

The figures come in the wake of calls by the Local Government Association for head teachers to be given greater flexibility to allow parents to take their children on holiday during term time.

The move is backed by Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon - the LGA’s Labour group leader: “We just need to apply common sense. Holidays can cover a range of activities and experiences and the reasons why parents take children out during term time are not always about saving cash.

“Family experiences and time together more often than not can work around school times but now and again there is a conflict, for instance where a parent is serving in the Armed Forces or to attend a special family gathering like a wedding or funeral in another country.

“Providing attendance is usually good and parents are responsible, I’d hope schools and councils take a balanced approach.”

Head teachers have always been able to grant leave during term time in certain circumstances, including for holidays. But under stricter government guidelines, head teachers are now only able to authorise absence in “exceptional” circumstances. Parents who take their children out of school without permission can be fined £60 per pupil. Some are prepared to risk a fine because they can save more by taking holidays out of high-cost school holiday periods.

A spokesman said Oldham Council could not confirm how much was paid in fines last year. This is because some people have not paid and could face court action.

Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said fining parents was not supported by the majority of teachers.