Petition to allow parents to take children out of school for 10 days fine free debated in Parliament
Campaigners say the current policy for term time leave "criminalises parents that are making choices in the best interests of their families"
Last updated 27th Oct 2025
Parliament is debating a petition which would allow parents to take their children out of school for up to 10 days fine free.
Campaigners say the current policy for term time leave "criminalises parents that are making choices in the best interests of their families" and "disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure".
The UK petition has received 181,598 signatures and is being discussed in Parliament on 27 October 2025.
We asked people in Portsmouth city centre what they thought, some of whom said they felt it was a good idea and travel is important for children.
Others said:
"I think that's really smart and it's easy to catch up on 10 days."
"If the kids stay longer than 10 days, as much as that's good for family bonding, that might not be good for the work life balance"
"I feel like it's good because anyway parents are going to lie and if you want to take your kids on holiday, you're going to make up an excuse."
Campaigners for the petition believe "some children are being discriminated against due to the strict guidelines that have been put in place."
"Many children with SEND do have a disability, and are therefore protected under the Equality Act. We are calling for reform of legislation on taking children out of school urgently."
Penalties for taking children out of school can include fines of £80 (or £160 if paid later) per parent, per child, for unauthorized absences, including term-time holidays.
Repeated or more serious offenses can lead to prosecution with fines up to £2,500, a community order, or imprisonment for up to three months.
A Government spokesperson said: "Absence is one of the biggest barriers to success for children and young people, and has soared post-pandemic."
"A steady churn of absences disrupts the learning of every child disrupting teachers’ ability to plan and sequence learning."
"We know that some pupils face more complex barriers to attendance ... however all of these children have the same need and right to a full-time education as any other pupil.
Earlier this year, the Government announced over £1 billion of additional high needs funding for this year to help meet the needs of children with SEND and £740 million to create additional specialist places, including in mainstream schools.
"On holidays in particular, we understand that some parents wish to avoid peak periods. However, the school year is structured in such a way as to provide plenty of time throughout the year for holidays outside of term-time, and schools also have considerable flexibility to plan term dates themselves."
You can watch the debate here.