A mother has branded a petition calling for parents to be allowed to take children out of school for up to 10 days without fines as "selfish".
The campaign, which has garnered over 73,000 signatures, aims to reform current legislation that penalises families for term-time holidays.
Annette Kellow told GB News she opposes the proposal, arguing that "a holiday is a choice, not a necessity".
The petition has prompted an official response from the Department for Education, which maintains that absence from school remains "one of the biggest barriers to success for children".
Kellow told GB News: "I think there are a few problems with it. There are already 443,000 absences per year.
"And actually, if they implemented their policy and everyone could take time off for holidays, companies aren’t here for the fun of it. They’ll just raise prices all year round.
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"I think that’s what this is about. A lot of parents want to grab an absolute bargain, and it’s kind of selfish because a holiday is a choice, not a necessity.
"One of the other things they talk about is SEND. Children also need to have time off. Now, I’m a mom of a child with a disability, so I understand the complex needs involved. But that’s a given.
"You know, that’s something to take up with the local authority. You’re allowed to take time off if your child has a medical condition."
She added: "And the other thing is, it’s quite disruptive to the classroom.
"If you can imagine, I already play catch-up because my son has half a day off a week, so I can imagine if that’s going on all year round with all the children trying to keep track of it sounds like an absolute nightmare to me.
"Personally, I’d rather just go on holiday on my own, without my child, and have some relaxation. So that would be my advice to them: get the granny in, go away on your own."
The petition, launched by parent Natalie Elliot, highlights how families face significant price increases during school holidays.
Research shows package holiday rates soar by an average of 18% during school breaks, with some destinations seeing increases of up to 28 per cent.
Elliot argues the current system "disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure and criminalises parents".
Under existing rules, parents face £80 fines for unauthorised absences, rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days.
The campaign also claims children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are being discriminated against by strict attendance guidelines.
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The campaign, which has garnered over 73,000 signatures, aims to reform current legislation that penalises families for term-time holidays.
Annette Kellow told GB News she opposes the proposal, arguing that "a holiday is a choice, not a necessity".
The petition has prompted an official response from the Department for Education, which maintains that absence from school remains "one of the biggest barriers to success for children".
Kellow told GB News: "I think there are a few problems with it. There are already 443,000 absences per year.
"And actually, if they implemented their policy and everyone could take time off for holidays, companies aren’t here for the fun of it. They’ll just raise prices all year round.
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"I think that’s what this is about. A lot of parents want to grab an absolute bargain, and it’s kind of selfish because a holiday is a choice, not a necessity.
"One of the other things they talk about is SEND. Children also need to have time off. Now, I’m a mom of a child with a disability, so I understand the complex needs involved. But that’s a given.
"You know, that’s something to take up with the local authority. You’re allowed to take time off if your child has a medical condition."
She added: "And the other thing is, it’s quite disruptive to the classroom.
"If you can imagine, I already play catch-up because my son has half a day off a week, so I can imagine if that’s going on all year round with all the children trying to keep track of it sounds like an absolute nightmare to me.
"Personally, I’d rather just go on holiday on my own, without my child, and have some relaxation. So that would be my advice to them: get the granny in, go away on your own."
The petition, launched by parent Natalie Elliot, highlights how families face significant price increases during school holidays.
Research shows package holiday rates soar by an average of 18% during school breaks, with some destinations seeing increases of up to 28 per cent.
Elliot argues the current system "disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure and criminalises parents".
Under existing rules, parents face £80 fines for unauthorised absences, rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days.
The campaign also claims children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are being discriminated against by strict attendance guidelines.
Find Out More...