Term-time holidays only in "exceptional circumstances"

Friday 07 April 2017

The Education Department has issued a reminder to parents and guardians that it is their legal obligation to ensure their children attend school, after the UK Supreme Court ruled parents can be prosecuted for taking children out of school without permission.

Following a long and contentious battle, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday against an Isle of Wight man, Jon Platt, who was fined £120 for taking his daughter on a seven-day family trip to Florida during term-time.

According to the judges, he had shown a “blatant disregard of school rules” and his actions were a “slap in the face” to school rule-abiding parents.

Pictured: The States warn taking children on holiday during term-time could impact their learning.

The States of Jersey Education Department has since spoken out following the landmark ruling, warning parents and guardians they “do not condone leave during term-time” and that head teachers will only authorise leave “in exceptional circumstances”.

A spokesperson told Express: “Every child in Jersey has a right under the law to go to school, and it is their parents’ legal duty to ensure they attend.”

“The Education Welfare Service works closely with all schools and parents to reduce the amount of leave taken during term time. Every day in school matters and every lesson counts, and by taking children out of school there is a risk that it could impact on their learning.”