Charges Against Parents of "Holidayed" Kids Dropped by County Court

The West Sussex County Council had dropped the case filed against a dozen parents who had taken their children on vacation.

About 18 cases that would see a fine against 18 couples who had taken their children a week away from schoolwork to go on vacation had been dropped after a High Court case in the Isle of Wright ruled in favour of the parent who refused to pay the fine.

According to a County Spokesperson:

"Our policy hasn't changed but we have withdrawn a small number of cases where one week's holiday was the only reason for non-school attendance."

In West Sussex, teachers are advised not to authorise any students' absence unless it was an "exceptional" circumstance, including but not limited to severe sickness.

Parents of children they wish to take out of school for longer periods must consult with the school headmaster. These includes holidays during term time. The headmaster would decide how many days a child could miss if the holiday leave is given.

In East Grinstead, the Sackville School Headmaster Julian Grant said "Here at Sackville, and in line with other local schools, we believe that attendance is an essential ingredient to a child's successful educational progress.

"Regular attendance with lessons missed kept to a minimum makes a key difference.

"Working with parents and families on this in a positive way is of the utmost importance. If there are exceptional reasons for absence, then we always consider these carefully on an individual basis within a culture of unashamedly high expectation."