A mother-of-three who was fined £480 for taking her children on a term-time holiday has decided to homeschool them for a whole term to avoid further penalties. Rachel Smith, a jewellery designer, and her husband Stuart, who manages Airbnb properties, had planned two family trips which would result in their children missing four days of school. Concerned about facing additional fines, court action, or a criminal record, the couple from Bridgewater, Somerset, decided to deregister their children from school temporarily with the intention to re-enroll them in May.
Rachel labelled the government as “a dictatorship” after receiving the fine in January for taking her children on a term-time trip to Portugal. She expressed her worries about potential court action, stating that she never intended to homeschool her children, but felt it was the only option to avoid further consequences. Rachel explained that by homeschooling for a few months, they could go on affordable holidays and create invaluable family memories that wouldn’t be possible during school term time. She highlighted the financial disparity between term-time and holiday prices, citing examples of how much they saved by travelling off-peak.
The Smiths’ experience is not isolated, as recent government statistics reveal a record number of fines issued to parents in England for their children’s school absence, with the majority attributed to unauthorised family holidays. Rachel criticised the government’s approach, questioning their control over families’ holiday decisions and advocating for more flexibility in allowing up to 10 days of term-time holiday per annum. She emphasised the educational and family bonding benefits of travel experiences and stressed the importance of individualised approaches rather than a uniform policy.
Homeschooling has significantly changed the family’s daily routine, with both parents participating in teaching activities. Rachel described their new schedule, which includes structured learning sessions, free time activities, and recreational outings. She highlighted the flexibility and personalised nature of homeschooling, allowing them to tailor education to their children’s needs and preferences. This approach has enabled the family to create more family memories and embrace a different lifestyle without the constraints of school terms.
Rachel estimated substantial savings by holidaying during term time and expressed a willingness to continue this practice in the future for the benefit of their children. She underscored the irreplaceable value of family experiences and the fleeting nature of childhood, reiterating her commitment to prioritising quality time together. The Department for Education has been approached for comment on the situation, and a petition with over 100,000 signatures calls for more leniency in allowing term-time holidays. Rachel’s story exemplifies the challenges faced by families navigating school attendance regulations and the lengths they may go to in pursuit of creating lasting memories.