Family fined £480 for taking children on holiday during term time

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SAL REI, CAPE VERDE - MAY 15:  People walk on the beach at Santa Maria on May 15, 2012 in Sal Rei, Cape Verde. Favorable exchange rates in the Cape Verde Islands have recently attracted foreign investors, especially from the UK, with an increase in tourism, retail and property investments.  (Photo by Michel Porro/Getty Images)
SAL REI, CAPE VERDE - MAY 15: People walk on the beach at Santa Maria on May 15, 2012 in Sal Rei, Cape Verde. Favorable exchange rates in the Cape Verde Islands have recently attracted foreign investors, especially from the UK, with an increase in tourism, retail and property investments. (Photo by Michel Porro/Getty Images)


A family has been fined for taking their children out of school during term time for a holiday in Cape Verde.

Cara and James Soar, from Nottingham, were hit with a £480 fine for taking their two young sons, Jack and Jake, out of their primary school for four days for a holiday the week before October half-term break, the Nottingham Post reports.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Mrs Soar said: "My husband is a self-employed builder, so he can only have holidays at certain times.

"We had a letter expressing concern about the amount of time my children have off school.

"Yet they rarely have time off. They perform well and behave well. They only missed four days. I believe the fine is over the top."

According to The Guardian, a recent survey revealed that a quarter of primary schools have fined parents for taking their children on holiday during term time.

The Daily Telegraph reports that another poll found that more than a third of parents would be happy to pay a £60 fine for breaking the rule.

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