[Lilly]

I took my children out of school as a one off in June.

I had to ask the headteacher for permission and she gave it straight away.

No mention was made of a fine.

I think it has already been said that schools have the power, if they see fit, to fine parents, it does not mean that they issue everyone who takes holidays in term time with a fine.

Perhaps this fine is only for persistent offenders.

Some people take their children out of school not once but several times a year.

I do not agree with doing this.

A one off is fine but not several times a year.

All these attendance targets are set by the government so schools have to be seen to be doing something to reduce absence.

It is the headteacher who has to justify the figures to the inspectors when they come calling.