Parents, children, and family members gathered outside the Civic Centre on Saturday afternoon, calling for up to 10 days authorised leave for children in school to allow for essential family time and to accommodate the requirements of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) students.
It comes as the Fight School Fines movement organised six regional protests across the country, asking for greater government support.
By law, parents and carers can be fined £160 for taking their children out of school during term time, with the fine being reduced to £80 if it’s paid within 21 days.
Should a child have unauthorised absence a second time within three-years of the first offence, parents are again fined £160, with the matter going to court should it happen a third time, with parents and carers facing a greater fine of up to £2,500.
Speaking to the Echo at the protest in Southampton, mum of two, Karen Lewis said the fine system in place was “not helpful.”
READ MORE: Fight School Fines protest against absence fines
She said: “I’ve got two special needs children; one’s in a specialist junior attached to a mainstream school and the other one is at a mainstream school.
“My youngest child, although he’s autistic too, is a carer for my eldest and we can’t go on holiday for respite breaks during school holidays because it’s too crowded and they just can’t cope.
“For us to not be allowed to take them out for respite breaks during term time means they can’t go away at all, which in my mind is a breach of the equalities act.
“You can be taken to court and be given a criminal record for missing one day of school, the law allows that and it’s not helpful.
“For parents it’s not about having a cheaper holiday, it’s about what’s right for your children.”
Alex White also joined the protest and could be heard chanting “our children need support, not parents in court, fight the school fines,” on a megaphone as people walked past.
He said: “I know people who are having to keep their children off school for anxiety reasons and they’re getting fined, it reduces them to tears.
“More needs to be done to understand everyone’s unique situations, rather than having a blanket fine system in place.”
