Travel retailer Holiday Hypermarket polled over 2000 parents and found that strict school rules will not stop some families from taking their holiday during term time — with two in three parents admitting they would still do so, even with schools cracking down on absences.
“It’s now becoming the case that family holidays are just for the rich because so many working people either can’t afford it or can’t get the time off outside school terms,” fined parent and campaigner Stewart Sutherland told BBC News.
Over 64,000 fines have been issued for school absences since the law changed in late 2013, with parents having to pay £60 per period of absence — a fee that doubles if not paid within 21 days. Yet 69 percent of parents would not see this as a deterrent, and still believe it to be less expensive than taking a break during the summer when holiday prices are at their peak.
For some parents, it doesn’t appear to be about the money at all, and £60 per child is a small price to pay for boosted spirits. Sixty percent of participants claimed that going abroad during term-time provides a much-needed mood boost for the family during the winter months. Seven in ten parents also admitted to suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with 60% also noticing similar symptoms — such as low mood and lethargy — in their children.
With almost half of surveyed parents believing that a week off school would have no effect on their child’s learning, and 60 percent believing it would benefit their well being, it’s not surprising that those who can afford it are opting to pay the fines and take their children on a much-needed break.
