Mum fined for taking daughter on holiday during term-time says she learnt more abroad
Shola Lee
Featured Image Credit: Jim Ekstrand/Ken Welsh/Alamy
A mum has claimed that being fined by her daughter's school was worth it for how much the youngster 'learnt' during their trip abroad.
There's no education quite like the school of life... well, at least that's what Bekki from Hull reckons.
Bekki decided to take her daughter to Spain and promptly received a fine, resulting in her speaking up about her decision... and to be fair, she makes some pretty interesting points about booking during term time.
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Bekki explained her story on Facebook, in response to recent findings that were published by HullLive, which found that 34 parents had been persecuted and hundreds fined for taking their kids out of school during term time.
School fines are nothing new - they've been around for almost a decade, with the coalition government in 2013 tightening rules surrounding taking kids out of school.
Airing her frustration, Bekki said: "I was one of them! Firstly, I guarantee my child learnt more in that week than she would have at school!
"She learnt so much about Spanish culture, learnt some Spanish and tried lots of new foods.
"Secondly the £60 fine didn't come close to the savings I made. I wouldn't have been able to go if not during term time.
"Thirdly, after the crap 2 years we've had my kids and myself needed the break!
"School is obviously important, but they are other things in this world children need to see and be taught. So long as they aren't missing lots of school, I don't see the issue."
Other parents weighed in with similar experiences, with one mum named Anna saying that she was even having to go to court over the whole issue.
"I was one of those parents, asked permission in the correct manner, got absolutely zero response so took my child away. Got a fine. Refused to pay as I did everything asked of me. I'm at court Friday... wish me luck!"
A third mum, Amy, rationalised taking her kids out of school because the fine would be cheaper than the ridiculous costs incurred during peak times.
"Its absolutely pathetic. Not everyone can afford half term holidays! Myself and my husband work and we dont stand a chance!" she said.
"I will be taking my kids out of school in a few years for a holiday, and i can guarantee the £240 fine will be alot cheaper then an extra £1000 for the holiday! Absolute idiots whoever thought this was a good idea in 2013! It needs removing in 2022!"
Do you agree with taking children out of school for a family holiday? Or do you think parents should stick to the summer holidays?