This year marked the first occasion since the lockdown that our family could reunite in Spain. For us, like many others, the thought of spending time with our loved ones abroad brings immense joy. However, the looming threat of fines for taking children out of school during term time causes unnecessary stress and hardship for many families like ours.

Many families across the UK face similar challenges. With relatives living overseas, be it brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins, these invaluable family moments are often overshadowed by the fear of financial penalty. Additionally, for families on a budget, the exorbitant costs of travel during official school holidays make it nearly impossible to afford trips without immense financial strain.

The current system does not take into account the importance of family bonds and cultural experiences that children gain through these trips. Allowing students up to two weeks leave during the school term not only strengthens familial ties but also provides them with a global learning experiences. Furthermore, students can be given assignments or projects to complete during their time away, ensuring they keep up with their studies and don't fall behind.

In 2017, a Department for Education report revealed that fining parents had little to no effect on attendance in schools and only served to burden families further. Families should not be penalised for prioritising valuable family time and cultural exposure.

We ask the UK government to reconsider the policy of fining parents for term-time leave and instead allow a grace period of up to two weeks for students to pursue these meaningful experiences. Such a change would reflect a more holistic understanding of education, recognising that learning extends beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Please sign this petition to urge the policymakers to rethink the system and support families in creating lasting memories and expanding their children's horizons.