Millions of parents are at risk of being fined or prosecuted for taking their child out of school for a holiday. This is an overly autocratic position from The Government.

If the current legislation remains the same then millions of parents are at risk of being fined simply for wanting to take their child on a family holiday. There are many reasons why the legislation should be reviewed...

• Parents being unable to afford the additional cost of taking their child on holiday in school holidays
• Flights don't always tie in with weekends meaning parents are left with limited choice when wanting to go away at half term
• Some parents employers will not grant leave during school holidays
• Taking a child on holiday has a positive impact on their wellbeing.
• Holidays often have a positive impact on their education as they get to experience other cultures and often visit sites of historical or geographical importance.

We propose that the legislation should be changed to give parents greater flexibility with their holiday plans and allow parents to take their child out of school during term time for 5 days of their choice throughout the school year. Local authorities will still be able to ring fence certain weeks where parents must not take their child out of school eg during exams, assessments etc