THE majority of parents say fines for unauthorised absences would not deter them from taking their children out of school for a holiday, a survey has found.

Half of parents are opposed to the policy in England where fines are considered if a child misses five days of school without permission, according to a poll by Parentkind charity.

The survey, of nearly 5,500 parents from across the UK, found that nearly three in five (57 per cent) parents have or would consider their child missing school for a day or more for a term-time holiday.

The same proportion (57 per cent) of parents said the risk of receiving a fine for an unauthorised term-time holiday would have no impact on their decision to take their child out of school.

The poll was carried out by YouGov in April and May ahead of higher fines for unauthorised pupil absences coming into effect in England.

School absence fines have now increased from £60 to £80 this academic year as part of a Government drive to boost attendance since the pandemic.

A government spokesperson said: “Tackling absence is everyone’s responsibility. Parents have a legal responsibility to make sure their child is in school, while government is committed to tackling the causes of absence through mental health support in secondary schools, breakfast clubs in all primary schools and inclusive SEND support

“We will also put an end to rip-off uniforms costing families hundreds of pounds, and our child poverty taskforce is looking at longer-term actions to tackle the challenges felt by those living in poverty.”