A former headteacher and current Dudley councillor has launched a passionate defence of parents who take children on term-time holidays, arguing they are being criminalised for making reasonable family choices. The comments came during a heated discussion at Dudley Council's Social Care and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, where education attendance figures were under review.
Attendance Figures Show Mixed Picture
The committee examined a report revealing that attendance at borough schools has improved to 93.1 percent, aligning with national averages. However, the data also showed that 19.2 percent of children were classed as persistently absent, having missed 19 or more school days. The report, signed by Dudley's director of children's services John Macilwraith, noted this was the first time in several years that both attendance and persistent absence rates matched national levels across the borough.
Penalty Notices Issued in Their Thousands
A significant driver behind unauthorised school absence remains parents opting for cheaper family holidays during term time. In the 2024/25 academic year alone, Dudley Council issued a staggering 4,669 penalty notices to parents for taking children out of school for holidays. Fines for such absences begin at £80 but can escalate dramatically to as much as £2,500 per case.
Historical Policy Shift Under Scrutiny
The current strict regime stems from legislative changes introduced in 2013, which removed headteachers' discretionary power to authorise up to two weeks of term-time leave. This policy shift, initiated by then Conservative Education Secretary Michael Gove, effectively made holidays during school terms a fineable offence unless under exceptional circumstances.
Councillor Hilary Bills, speaking from her dual perspective as both a former headteacher and current committee member, delivered a blunt assessment of the situation. "There is a large number of families now who pay willingly to take their children on holiday during term time," she stated during the meeting.
Post-Exam Period Should Be Exempt, Argues Former Educator
Drawing on her professional experience, Cllr Bills articulated a clear distinction in her approach to authorising absences. "As far as I was concerned as a headteacher all the exams were over by May 31, as long as you go after May 31 – I don't care," she explained. She emphasised that family holidays taken after crucial examinations have concluded should not attract penalties.
Her criticism extended to the fundamental principles behind the fines. "It was Michael Gove who changed that, they criminalised families because they wanted to do the right thing," Cllr Bills asserted, framing the issue as one of fairness versus rigid bureaucracy.
Broader Implications for Families and Special Needs Pupils
Following the committee meeting, Cllr Bills expanded on her position, highlighting particular benefits for some vulnerable learners. She suggested that for pupils attending special schools, family holidays outside of peak tourist seasons could be actively beneficial. These children often struggle to cope with overcrowded holiday environments, making quieter term-time travel more suitable for their needs.
Calls for Systemic Government Reform
The councillor concluded with a direct appeal for policy modernization, arguing that the current framework fails to reflect contemporary family life. "There is something seriously wrong with the system, councils can't change it, the government needs to look at it and bring it up to date with how people live their lives," she stated.
Her comments underscore a growing tension between educational attendance targets and the financial realities facing many families. Research from Go.Compare indicates that for a family of four, the average price increase for a package holiday during school breaks amounts to nine percent per person, creating significant economic pressure on household budgets.
