East Riding Schools should Stop Holiday Fines

Since September 2013 head teacher discretion was removed regarding school in-term holidays. You can now be fined £60 per parent per child and according to the information supplied with one of these fines the 'laws you have broken' are:
The Education Act 1996 Section 444 - This is classed as an aggravated offence
The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Quotes from the council suggest that in term holidays are issued "where a parent is considered capable of but unwilling to secure an improvement in their child's school attendance", also that it could "leave a pupil vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and youth crime" and finally it "affects a child's life opportunities".

We, as many parents do ensure our children attend school everyday, are prepared and have all the necessarily items, complete homework, take part in activities that represent the school, are polite and courteous and do their very best. We also have jobs where holidays cannot be taken when the school determines is appropriate, therefore we have no option but to 'take this penalty'.

If you want to join our Facebook page that would be great (please see link) https://www.facebook.com/groups/340830119402794/ Here I will add all new information I get. For example the email response from our MP, details of the freedom of information request answers I submitted on 25/7/14 and details of the meeting I have asked to have with the Education Welfare Officer who sends out these penalty letters. It will also give us a place to discuss and support each other.

If you believe these fines and the demonising of parents is wrong please sign and we can show the council the true extent of our feelings.