Term time holidays: what’s your view?

Three quarters of London parents say it’s “not fine” to be fined when taking our children on holiday during term time, according to new research

The survey by online flight booker Kiwi.com comes following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling against father Jon Platt earlier this year, who lost his High Court battle for the right to take his children out of school during term time. When the capital’s parents were asked if they agreed with Platt, and whether it was wrong to be fined for taking our children on holiday during term time, 75% agreed.

The research showed that 72% of London parents think holiday costs are too high during July and August, and this is the main reason they take their children out of school during term time, saving on average £675 per trip. Over half (57%) of parents have admitted that they have taken their child out of school at least once during term time – and 66% would risk doing it again, despite 81% of them being fined by their local council.

And it’s not just the cost of flights that drive London families to book their breaks outside of the designated holiday months – almost a fifth (17%) of parents say that they find it hard to get time off work during the holidays, as they are competing with so many parent colleagues who want the time off.

It’s certainly frustrating – what’s your view? Would you prefer to fork out the extra money and embrace the packed pools like everyone else? Or are you willing to risk fines from local authorities and irate teachers? Let us know at @_Little_London