MORE than 250 Nottingham parents have been fined for taking their children on holiday during term time.
The desire for cheaper holidays is causing many parents to take their children out of school before the start of the holidays.
But mums and dads are being warned it is illegal to miss lessons without good reason – and they risk being taken to court and fined.
In all, 262 parents in Nottingham have been fined since the start of last September.
The figures were revealed to the Post by Nottingham City Council. There is a £60 penalty for parents caught breaking the law. And those who don't cough up within 28 days have the fine doubled.
Councillor David Mellen, the council's portfolio holder for children services, said: "Children missing school is a very serious matter.
"It's difficult for them to catch up after a week or two weeks out of the classroom, and while I have sympathy with parents wanting to take advantage of cheap holidays, children's learning has to come first."
In comparison, Notts County Council has handed out a mere 29 fines since last September.
The Government is launching a crackdown on the problem over the next school year.
Until now, head teachers had the power to authorise up to ten days of absences in "special circumstances".
But changes to the law mean absences can only be approved if they are for "exceptional circumstances".
These could include close family weddings, bereavements or religious reasons. They do not include the availability of cheaper holidays.
Both authorities are handing out guidance to parents warning them not to plan holidays in term times without consulting head teachers first.
Parents spoken to by the Post said the tougher legislation was difficult to comprehend.
Paul Brown, 39, of Strelley, said: "Schools are very hard on attendance records, and rightfully so, but if my son's attendance is perfect throughout most of the year, then taking him of holiday for one week won't do much harm."
Rachel Polley, 39, of Huthwaite, said: "It would cost over £800 to go on holiday outside of term time, compared to £300 during term time.
"I think it's the travel industry that needs to be looked at, the way that they bump the costs up."
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