Campaign for 10 days of term-time holiday for some kids 'hits key threshold'

A pivotal moment has been reached in the push for families with special educational needs (SEN) children to be allowed 10 days of term-time holiday without facing penalties. A parliamentary petition is calling for the government to reassess its rules for these families, citing the challenges they face when forced to take breaks during peak holiday seasons.

Holiday prices skyrocket during school breaks, but the petition, accessible on the parliamentary website, highlights a more pressing concern for SEN children. The crowded and chaotic environment during peak travel times can be particularly distressing for these youngsters.

The petition, initiated by Nicola Marie Wardle, surpassed a significant milestone over the weekend by garnering over 10,000 signatures - and is now on 15,000 signups. This threshold requires Department for Education officials to issue a formal response addressing the petition's concerns and exploring the possibility of policy changes.

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The petition argues, "We believe SEN children are already excluded from society and education. Many children with disabilities or SEN can find it hard to deal with crowds, noise and the general hustle and bustle of travelling in peak times. Yet, these families are penalised for removing children from school for holidays."

This development marks an important step forward for the campaign, bringing the issue to the attention of policymakers and sparking a necessary dialogue about inclusivity and support for families with SEN children. "It's not the case that these families fancy being awkward, simply that their children cannot cope.

"We feel this leaves those families with two choices, go in school holidays and spend most of the time stressed, or ask for flexibility. We believe this would give these families the same chance to a break as families without SEN."

The Department for Education has advised parents: "You can send your child to school or educate them yourself. Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.

"You'll be contacted by either:

"the school - if your child is enrolled in school and does not turn up (even if they're only absent for a day)".

"the council's education welfare officer - if they think your child is not getting a suitable education at home".

"You can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education. You'll normally get warnings and offers of help from the local council first."

Regarding taking children out of school during term time for holidays, it states: "There may be other exceptional circumstances where you can ask to take your child out of school. Your school will consider each application and may let you take your child out of school.

"A holiday is generally not considered an exceptional circumstance. You cannot usually take your child away during term time."

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson last week emphasised the collective responsibility of families when considering termtime holidays, acknowledging parents' desire for family time but cautioning against the broader impact. She voiced her concern: "If children are not in school, that doesn't just have an impact on your own child, it has an impact on the whole class."

Phillipson cited feedback from educators about the repercussions on teaching: "Because what teachers tell me is that they have to cover lessons over again to help children with their catch up."

Moreover, she explained the broader implications of termtime travel: "If parents then choose to take their child on termtime holidays that does have knock on consequences for everyone.

"And I think it's about our responsibility not just to our own children, but our responsibility to the whole school community."

Additionally, Ms Phillipson had previously indicated she would discuss holiday pricing with travel industry leaders, while Cabinet colleague Heidi Alexander called on airlines to "do the right thing".

To view the petition click here.