Mum fined £500 for term-time holidays 'doesn't feel guilty in the slightest'

Laura Melling, of Lancashire, said she has saved around £3,000 on each family holiday

A mum has said she ‘does not feel guilty in the slightest’ for taking her children on holiday during the term-time as she’s saved around £3,000 on each trip.

Laura Melling, 36, said her kids are having the ‘best experiences’ on holidays rather than ‘sitting in a boring classroom’. She said some of the parents at her children’s school have even followed suit and started to take their kids during term-time to save money.

She said her and her husband Paul 37, from Leyland in Lancashire, have shelled out more than £500 in fines to date. But said they have saved around £3,000 on each family holiday they have booked.

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“It’s ridiculous, they’re my children – not the school’s,” the nurse told creatorzine.com. “It works out cheaper to pay the fine than school holiday prices.

“I don’t feel guilty in the slightest. My kids are having the best experiences rather than sitting in a boring classroom. And we’re saving a fortune. It’s a no-brainer.”

According to Go Compare, the high demand for a break away with the kids during the Easter holidays saw trips rise by nine per cent compared to non-peak periods. And with the ongoing war between Iran and the US, causing fuel shortage scares, it’s been reported that airlines are raising fares to combat jet fuel price increases.

Schools fine £80 per parent, per child for any unauthorised absences up to five days during term-time. Mum-of-two Laura said the fines are worth it as she claimed her daughter’s teachers usually aren’t usually too displeased with their decision.

She said: “The teachers are usually supportive and say they wish they could do it. All the parents agree with me too. A few of them have followed suit after seeing us do it.”

So far, they’ve been to Egypt, Tunisia and France and they’ve never paid more than £1,000 to get away for a week. Earlier this year, for example, they flew to Lapland.

Instead of forking out £700-per-person for the flights in December, they went at the start of term in January, costing just £40-per-head. Their car hire was £189, rather than £545 during the school holidays and their accommodation came to just £500 instead of £1,900.

In total, it saved them £2,946. The parents will refuse to take their kids aways during important educational situations, such as during the SATs and GCSEs.

But while they’re young, they’re making the most of freedom – and teaching them valuable lessons along the way. Laura added: “My kids are learning life skills.

“They learn in different ways when away, so we’re not neglecting their education. They have learning apps on their iPads and workbooks to complete.

“I would love to [take them out of school full-time] however I don’t think our balance would cope; we need to work. My children are realising the world is a big place and they are now seeing different cultures.

“Everyone needs a break from the mundane, so being away gives us all time to relax and enjoy each other’s company without being stuck in a routine.”