June 23rd 2024.
As a mother of two children with autism, I've always been mindful of their special needs and accommodations. So when I received letters from both of my boys' schools about expensive trips, my heart sank. One trip was a week-long ski trip to Italy for £1,600, while the other was a Classics trip to Greece for £1,200. These trips were equivalent to the cost of a family holiday, and with my limited budget, I knew I couldn't afford both. It was a tough decision, but I didn't want one of my boys to miss out, so I decided we would go to Italy instead. However, there was a catch.
The trip fell during term time, and I knew there would be consequences for taking my children out of school. But as a mother, I couldn't bear to see my boys miss out on this opportunity. They had been making great progress recently, and I felt confident that with the right measures in place, they could handle the trip. Plus, they deserved a break from their hard work and the challenges of their neurodiversity.
Despite my concerns, we went ahead with the trip. I informed their schools well in advance, and while the grammar school was supportive, the comprehensive school had a different response. They sent a letter saying that term time holidays were never authorized and that I may receive a fine if I took my son out of school. As a mother, I couldn't help but feel frustrated and disappointed. These trips were for my sons' mental health, and I knew they would benefit from the experience. So I decided to email the school and ask them to record the absence as 'sickness' instead. Sadly, I never received a response, so I assumed they had done as I asked.
Thankfully, the airport was not too busy, and my boys managed to get through security and the flight with me by their side. I was relieved that we hadn't attempted the trip during peak times. Once we arrived in Italy, my boys were in awe of everything, especially my son who was studying Latin. He found the trip to Pompeii fascinating. My other son, who was teaching himself languages on Duolingo, enjoyed practicing ordering food for us in restaurants. It was a wonderful holiday for all of us, and when we returned, my boys were eager to share their experiences with their teachers and friends.
However, about two weeks later, I received a fine of £120 for an unauthorised absence from the local authority, with an additional £60 if I paid within 21 days. As a single mother on a tight budget, this was a significant amount of money for me. It's no secret that school holiday fines are a postcode lottery, with some areas issuing more fines than others. What I found interesting is that my sons share the same postcode, attend schools within 10 minutes of each other, and fall under the same local authority. So why did one school recommend a fine, while the other didn't?
The only explanation I could come up with is that the schools serve different communities, and it seems that poorer families are being targeted. My son attends a selective grammar school, where few students are entitled to free school meals. His school was understanding of our situation and the unique circumstances. However, my other son's school, which recommended issuing a fine, is a comprehensive academy school on a council estate, where many students are entitled to free school meals. They were far less understanding. In my experience, schools that serve poorer communities tend to assume that parents from these backgrounds are incapable of making decisions in their child's best interest, which is why they receive more fines for term time holidays.
Nationwide statistics show that councils in Essex, Bradford, Doncaster, Rochdale, and Wakefield generally issue the most penalty notices. I personally don't think this is fair. Fines for term time holidays are an assault on the poor. That's why I made a complaint about the fine, and after some back and forth, the school agreed to ask the local authority to cancel it. However, not all parents are as stubborn and outspoken as I am. Many parents feel intimidated by these fines and feel like they have no choice but to pay them.
Yes, education is essential, but so is balance. Families, especially those with disabled children, should have the freedom to make decisions about their children's education and well-being. It's not just about taking a holiday; it's about taking a break from the stress and challenges of everyday life. Research has shown that occasionally taking children out of school can even improve their education. As parents, we weigh the pros and cons and make decisions that we believe are best for our children.
Despite the frustration and injustice of this fine, I know that I won't be taking my children out of school for a holiday again anytime soon. I don't want to risk another fine and deal with the stress and uncertainty that comes with it. But it doesn't change the fact that not allowing parents to make such minor decisions about their children's lives is controlling and dictatorial. It's time for fines for school absences to be abolished altogether.
Do you have a similar experience? I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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