Is School Term-Time Holiday Fines Fair for Families with Special Needs?

Is School Term-Time Holiday Fines Fair for Families with Special Needs?

Recently, a mum of two paid a £320 fine for taking her two children on holiday during school term time with her partner, one of whom is autistic and has ADHD and struggles to cope with large groups of tourists during the school holidays. Is this fair? Below, Dr Lisa Williams, one of the UK’s leading clinical psychologists and director of The Autism Service, offers her view.

Towards the end of 2024, the BBC reported that around 158,000 students missed at least half of their classes in the autumn and spring terms of the last academic year. With school absence on the rise, the chief inspector of Ofsted felt ‘alarmed’ by pupils missing their lessons and parents opting for ‘flexi-schooling,’ putting more pressure on schools for 2025.

The debate of whether fines for term-time holidays are fair has been an ongoing battle, and parents of autistic children or those experiencing financial hardship may feel they only have a chance of a holiday during a school term.

Investigations revealed that those travelling during the school holiday could be paying an extortionate 16 times more for their relaxing getaway.

Dr Lisa Williams, one of the UK’s leading clinical psychologists and director of The Autism Service, explains, “Many parents of children with autism either avoid completely or feel very apprehensive about travelling abroad for holidays, lessening the enjoyment significantly.

“Breaks from work and everyday life are important for us all, and even more so for families living with a child with a disability. It is important to encourage organisations to take proactive steps to remove barriers and welcome a cohort that’s often excluded from such typical life experiences.”

Some airlines and holiday destinations have started to become more accommodating for individuals with disabilities.

Emirates recently announced its plans to become the world’s first ‘autism-certified’ airline. Over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff will receive specialised training to better accommodate autistic and sensory-challenged people.

This initiative is a positive step towards inclusivity in the travel industry, and the momentum must continue

Dr Williams notes, “By taking away just some of the stress of travel, these families will have a much more positive experience, and the children will benefit from exposure to new learning opportunities.”

Top tips for travelling with an autistic person

The right preparation can make travel much smoother and more enjoyable for individuals with autism and their families and friends. According to Dr Williams, here’s what you can do:

Familiarisation
Before the trip, watch videos or look at pictures of the airport, aeroplane, destinations and activities to familiarise the child with the experience.

If possible, letting autistic people choose their plane seats can help them feel more in control, and creating visual aids that explain the process of check-in, security, and boarding can provide reassurance and a sense of routine.

A child wearing headphones on a flight

Noise Cancellation
Blocking out loud noises with noise-cancelling headphones will eliminate a hyper-sensory trigger, making travel smoother and less intense.

Prepare a Travel Kit
Gather a kit of essential items that will make a travel day more manageable and support autistic people.

Bring sensory aids and items that are important and comforting to someone with autism, as this can help them feel calmer. These could include fidget toys, weighted blankets, and favourite belongings.

Pack Food
Food can sometimes be a struggle, so pack staple snacks that are packaged and will be allowed through security. Any essential medications should be packed in carry-on luggage with a doctor’s note.

Request Accommodations
Requesting a letter from a doctor or psychologist outlining specific needs can help support your request to an airline or destination. They will often offer the option to board first or last, priority seating, fast track through security, queues, and any assistance support.

If possible, contact the airline in advance to ensure that specific requests can be accommodated.

A relaxed child on a flightIs School Term-Time Holiday Fines Fair for Families with Special Needs? 2

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