Mum says she ‘deserves the right’ to take her kids on holiday even if that might be during term time
One mum says she 'deserves the right' to take her kids on holiday even if that might be during term time.
The 41-year-old mum-of-three, El Jedras, opened up about her decision go on a family holiday with her little ones even if that means them missing out on a few days of school.
Jedras, from Cheshire, noted that money is a major factor with the cost of certain trips allegedly even tripling in price depending on the dates.
The woman along with her husband, Kris, share three children with special education needs.
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Their ages range between three, four and eight and they also benefit from travelling during less-busy times.
El told i News that the price of a UK-based holiday for her family-of-five would triple from £300 to £900 if they chose to book during the school holidays.
That's a pretty sizeable difference if you ask me.
However, parents looking to skip past the hiked-up holiday fares have been warned they could face fines of up to £60 for school absence.
The initial fine could then double to a staggering £120 if not paid within 21 days, however, such rules vary between local councils.
Due to this, once her three kids have all started primary school, the parents could potentially face fines of up to £360 to take them out of school during term time for a holiday, given that Cheshire East council fines both parents therefore doubling the fee.
With that being said, however, the couple believe 'it may still be worth it' given the rapid travel industry price increase during school holidays.
The mum said: "Right now, only one child is in primary school so I would definitely take the fine," before adding that the cost of living crisis has been 'very difficult' for her family.
She said the 'main reason' behind her logic is 'the cost', explaining: "Looking at a holiday that normally costs us about £300 would be up to £900 if we booked during the school holidays and we really can’t afford to do that.
"Generally, being two adults and three children is costly anyway. My children have a lot of additional needs so we do have a lot of outgoing costs."
El then went on to highlight the importance of a 'change of scenery' for her children, continuing: "They need that experience of travelling, being somewhere new and experiencing new things."
She added: "We deserve the right to be able to take our kids on a holiday when they get to take a break and experience life as a family.
"Change needs to happen between the government, the airlines and schools."
Founder and Chairman of the Sutton Trust and Chairman of the Education Endowment Foundation, Sir Peter Lampl, called the whole ordeal a 'major problem'.
He said: "It’s a major problem that more children are taking holidays during term time, missing out on essential learning.
"As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, families are increasingly struggling to make ends meet, and many are finding that holidays in the peak season are just too expensive.
"While all children should go on holiday, it’s crucial that they don’t miss school."
A Department for Education spokesperson also added: "We know that regular school attendance is vital for a child’s education, wellbeing and future life chances.
"That is why we’ve expanded our attendance hubs and mentoring programmes – to ensure children have the best chance of receiving a high-quality education."
The statement continued: "Parents have a duty to make sure their child regularly attends school.
"Our guidance is clear that they should plan their holidays around school breaks and avoid seeking permission from schools to take their children out of school during term time unless it is absolutely unavoidable."
Rhiannon Ingle