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'I saved 1,280 by taking kids out of school for a holiday even with the fine'

A British mum took her kids out of school for a family holiday ended up receiving a 160 fine - but says the overall saving on the trip meant it was worth it

[Thea posing for a selfie in her car]

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Thea received a fine for taking her 5-year-old out of school(Image: Jam Press/@thearule)

A mum slapped with a 160 fine for taking her son out of school for a family holiday says she has no regrets because ultimately she saved 1,280 on her trip.

Thea Rule decided to take her son Roman, five, out of school to jet off for a week in Majorca, after her request for authorised absence was refused by the school.

"I dont care what anyone says, hes in reception class and were getting on that plane, Thea told NeedToKnow. I believe that my child should be able to enjoy family time with us. I asked via a handwritten letter but was refused. He is in reception class and we did not think it would impact his learning."

Thea claims the same holiday during the school holidays would have cost an eye-watering 1,440 more because of soaring travel prices. The school issued her with a 160 fine, but the family still saved 1,280 overall by travelling during term time.

[Thea and her two kids in a swimming pool]

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Thea says she had lots of support from other parents online(Image: Jam Press/@thearule)

She said: "I would never consider taking Roman away during term time if he was doing his SATS or GCSEs. But a week off at the age of fivewe as his parents did not believe it would hinder his education. He experienced culture, social interactions and learned other bits along the way.

"Roman was able to learn about the old town of Alcudia, go swimming and snorkelling with sea wildlife and enjoy time with us and his younger brother, all things I believe to be fantastic experiences. Roman is successful at school and is on course to meet his learning outcomes before the end of the year."

Thea said the huge difference in holiday prices was the main reason behind the decision, and claimed that after she shared her story online, dozens of parents backed her stance.

After sharing her story online, she claimed that dozens of parents backed her stance.

[Thea pushing a pram while on holiday]

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The family saved over 1,200 taking their kids on holiday outside of the school holidays(Image: Jam Press/@thearule)

Thea said: "They all agreed reception is not a school year that requires as much attendance as other years. I thanked them for understanding and I know others do the same. We were honest and requested the holiday but others I know say their children are sick and therefore dont get fined for taking their children out."

The mother-of-two has encouraged other parents to book holidays strategically if they are looking to save money, adding that she believes the memories made with family outweighed the worrying about fines.

While for Thea and her family there was a saving to be had, there's one little-known rule around term-time fines that families should be aware of. A lot of parents don't realise that the fine isn't applied per family, but per parent per child.

Fines also need to be paid as soon as they are issued. In England, the initial fine per person is 80 if paid within 21 days, but jumps to 160 if paid within 28 days.

But with the per parent/child rule, that means if two adults go away with two children, you could instantly be facing a cost of up to 320. Meanwhile, a second offence could see you hit with a higher 160 fine, so for a family of four that could be 640 total; depending on your choice of holiday and timing, that may negate the savings potentially gained from travelling inside school holidays.

Still, it's no surprise that parents like Thea are still choosing to take kids out of school and face the fines instead. Travel prices notoriously hike up during the school holidays, sometimes even tripling including UK holiday parks.

Do you think parents should be fined for taking their kids out of school for holidays? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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