Supreme Court Rules on Parents Taking Kids On Holiday Term Time

The Supreme Court has found in favour of a local authority that has fined a parent for taking his daughter on holiday during term-time.  Commenting on the news, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary John Pugh said:

“Today’s judgment was disappointing but the ball is back in the government's court, they could act and change the law and bring back sensible rules with proper safeguards in place.  Nearly 20,000 people have been prosecuted and caught in a dragnet by these laws in the last year.

“Many employees have no choice when to take their holidays. People in some areas have to work all through the summer at the height of the tourism season.  

“Others simply cannot afford to go on holiday at peak times, when the cost of holidays goes through the roof.  So, it's vitally important to offer more flexibility to schools and headteachers to help families who need to take a break together.

“We believe that headteachers should be allowed to grant up to 10 days of term-time absence in special circumstances".

Image: John Pugh, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary