As a parent who has been fined multiple times for taking my child on trips during school terms, I am calling for a change in the system. My work does not permit me time off during school holidays and despite seeking permission from the headmaster, I was met with silence until we returned from our trip and were fined. The irony is that teachers frequently take sick days or go on strikes, disrupting the continuity of education in classrooms.

My child's education should not suffer due to an inflexible system. On one occasion, we visited Poland where my child learned more than they would have in their disrupted classroom environment - yet we were still penalized upon our return.

According to a study by the Family Holiday Association (2017), family holidays can be beneficial for children's education and overall development. They provide opportunities for real-world learning experiences that cannot be replicated within four walls of a classroom.

It is time to reconsider this rigid policy that punishes parents who are simply trying to provide their children with enriching experiences outside of school hours. We need flexibility and understanding from our educational institutions - not fines and penalties.

Sign this petition if you believe parents should have the right to take their children on educational trips during school terms without being penalized.