The recent increase in term-time holiday absence fines in England has sparked a petition calling for reform. Natalie Elliott, who initiated the petition, argues that the policy unfairly targets families under pressure. In the last academic year, fines surged to nearly half a million, a 22% increase from the previous year, with the majority issued for unauthorized family holidays. The government's response to the petition indicates openness to debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures, amidst broader concerns regarding school attendance policies and their impact on families.
The petition to Parliament was started by Natalie Elliott, saying: "We're seeking reform to the punitive policy for term time leave that disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure and criminalises parents that we think are making choices in the best interests of their families."
The Department for Education (DfE) data showed there were 487,344 penalty notices issued for unauthorised absences in 2023-24, compared to 398,796 in 2022-23 - a 22% rise in a year.
Ofsted: Grading attendance will lead to lower attendance - of teachers through Burnout. The introduction of this high-stakes accountability measure is unfair on many schools, including those in high deprivation areas.
The vast majority (91%) of fines were for unauthorised family holidays, according to the DfE.
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