There are only 190 compulsory school days each year when children must, by law, attend school. The remaining 175 days are weekends and school holidays, which provide ample time for family breaks. Headteachers may only grant leave in exceptional circumstances, and family holidays are not considered exceptional under the Department for Education’s statutory guidance.

If you choose to take your child out of school for a holiday during term time, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence. Northamptonshire County Council may issue a penalty notice for unauthorised holiday absence. The initial fine is currently £60 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days. If the fine is not paid within this period, it increases to £120 per parent, per child. Failure to pay the £120 fine within 28 days may lead to court proceedings under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996.

There is no right of appeal against a penalty notice. If unpaid, the local authority will either prosecute or withdraw the notice. Repeat offences within three years can result in further fines and, ultimately, prosecution.

For full details, please refer to the Department for Education guidance on school attendance and the Education Act 1996.

Read our leaflet about the impact of term time holidays here.