A MUM has expressed her fury after taking her children out of school for a sun-soaked term-time getaway – only to be hit with a stonking £480 fine.
Tammy and David Lambert, from Trent Vale, have been hit with a £480 fine after whisking their children away on a term-time holiday to Spain.
The couple, who took their four kids to the sunny shores of Benalmadena, are standing firm against the hefty penalty, insisting they did the right thing for their family.
Tammy, a support worker, and Daniel, a dedicated taxi service worker for children with special needs, made the decision to travel during the quieter term time for their 12-year-old son Riley.
The 12-year-old currently suffers from anxiety and panic attacks when overwhelmed and requires special assistance on flights due to his suspected autism.
Because of this, the couple prefer to take him away during the quieter term time, avoiding the summer holiday crowds.
The Lamberts argue that taking a holiday in the term-time was essential for Riley’s wellbeing.
Despite presenting evidence, including photos of Riley at the airport in his dressing gown and his boarding pass indicating ‘disability assistance’, the parents faced a hefty fine.
The two Trent Vale schools – Thistley Hough Academy and Oakhill Primary School – slapped the couple with a £60 fine per child, per parent, totalling to £480.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has not commented on the issuing of the fines as yet. Oakhill Primary School has still to provide a statement to The Sun.
Tammy told Stoke-on-Trent Live: “The headteacher issued the fines straight away, despite Riley being on the SEND register and the school itself referring him to CAMHS.”
Riley is currently on the waiting list for an autism test, but has not yet been diagnosed.
The mum claims the school “made it sound like” it was Riley’s “fault he’s still on the waiting list for an autism assessment”.
She claims to have invited the welfare officer to meet Riley and to “see for themselves”.
Tammy continued to explain the family had already sacrificed going on holiday the previous year and that her children had only missed a week in the entire school year.
She argued the family are “caring people” and “needed a break” from the nature of their care-orientated jobs.
The family’s plight has struck a chord with many, highlighting the struggles of families with children who have special needs.
Tammy pointed out the high rates of suicide related to autism, arguing she has to “protect” her son and put “him first” as a child at risk.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has remained tight-lipped on the issue, and Oakhill Primary School has yet to comment.
Thistley Hough Academy principal Noel Kennedy said: “The government’s rules on unauthorised absence are clear.
“They are designed to encourage children to be in school during term time so that they do not miss out on their learning.
“Where a child has specific needs, we do everything we can to provide support.”
As the debate over term-time holidays continues, the Lamberts are left feeling frustrated but unapologetic. Mum, Tammy stands firm on having “no regrets” on hauling her children out of school.
Other parents have taken to social media to express their discontent at the government rules around term-time absence.
One mum argued many parents can only afford to fly out during term because of the sky-rocketing prices over the summer.
A mother named Hollie said that she can’t afford to go away during the school holidays and wants a chance to get a sunbed by the pool without it being too busy.
Posting on social media, Hollie shared her short clip with the caption ‘If you can afford to go in the school holidays that’s great but most can’t!
‘I also want the chance of getting a sunbed by the pool.
‘I think it’s crazy we get fined for doing something so positive for our kids in such a negative world’
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @holliefromthe80s, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up a whopping 570,100 views.
Parents rushed to the comments to share their thoughts – as many confessed their anger at having to ask for permission to take kids out of school during term time.
One person said: “I find this crazy. Can’t go on holiday, monitored what they eat, can’t go to the toilet…it’s like a mini prison!”
Another added: “The fact you have to ask permission to take your own child on holiday is absolutely ridiculous.”
Not only this, but a teacher even penned: “Teacher here – never blame any parents who take their kids away term time because of prices – wish I could myself, it’s ridiculous.”
Meanwhile, its not just sky-high prices that come with flying out this summer, it seems that millions of passengers face travel chaos and “excessive queues” at major UK airports this summer.
THE main issue that can lead to parents receiving a fine is missing school.
Currently, it’s the decision of the local council whether or not to issue a parent a fine for their child missing school.
However, from August this year, the fine for absences will up to the school to consider – when a child has missed 10 or more sessions for unauthorised reasons.
And the fine will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days – this is issued to EACH parent.
It’s the first time the fine has been increased since 2012, and is in line with inflation.
If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, this will automatically be charged at the higher rate of £160.
Fines will be capped at two fines within a three-year period.
After this limit has been reached, prosecution or a parenting order may be considered.
According to the official government website, there are only five reasons your child should be absent from school if the school is open.
These are as follows:
