The number of parents fined for taking children out of school for term-time holidays has surged in Hull and the East Riding, with hundreds more penalty notices issued this autumn compared to last year.
In Hull, 362 fines have been issued so far this term, up from just 92 in the same period in 2016. East Riding Council has issued 594 fines this year, compared to 168 last year. The rise follows a Supreme Court ruling in April that clarified the definition of irregular attendance, meaning local authorities no longer consider overall attendance when issuing fines.
John Killeen, NAHT spokesman for Hull and the East Riding, said the £60 penalty is not a deterrent for many parents, who find that savings on term-time holidays far outweigh the fine. He noted that families in farming communities often cannot take holidays during summer.
If the fine is not paid within 21 days, it doubles to £120. For a family of four, that could mean a total of £480 if all parents are fined, or £320 if two parents are fined for one child.
Councillor Julie Abraham, East Riding Council's portfolio holder for schools, warned that missing school can put children at a disadvantage in exams and disrupt their peers. She said the Supreme Court ruling sent a clear message that children should attend school every possible day.
