**Parents Penalised for Taking Term-Time Family Holiday, Face Greater Financial Hit After Losing Court Appeal**
A couple from Trent Vale, Staffordshire, have found themselves facing an increased financial penalty after taking their four children out of school for a holiday during term time—despite arguing the move was necessary for the wellbeing of their autistic son. Daniel and Tammy Lambert originally received a fine of £480 for their decision to travel to Spain last April but, after refusing to pay and contesting the penalty in court, are now required to pay £690 due to having lost their legal appeal.
The Lamberts’ case highlights ongoing national debates over the strict regulations surrounding school attendance and term-time absences. Parents across the UK have often found themselves at odds with educational authorities for taking children out of lessons, especially as holiday costs soar during school breaks. However, schools and councils maintain such policies are fundamental to ensuring children’s uninterrupted learning and social development.
The Lambert family’s trip to Benalmadena was, they said, specifically timed to provide much-needed respite for their son Riley, who was awaiting an assessment for autism at that time. Tammy explained that quieter restaurants, pools, and airports at off-peak times were less overwhelming for Riley, supporting his sensory and emotional needs. Riley, now formally diagnosed as autistic, travelled with ear defenders, a weighted blanket, and with special airport assistance to help navigate the journey more comfortably.
Speaking before the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Tammy described how the family were diligent in attempting to create a supportive environment for Riley while abroad. “We had to arrange meals for later times when there were fewer people, and stay in quieter areas around the pool,” she said. Photographs were submitted in court, showing Riley utilising various coping aids, and the family travelled alongside friends who also had an autistic child, adding a layer of mutual understanding and support.
Nevertheless, magistrates held that the law on school attendance is unequivocal. Initial fines totalled £60 per parent, per child—amounting to £480 for the Lamberts’ four children. After their refusal to pay and subsequent unsuccessful court challenge, the financial burden grew to include a £407 fine, a £163 victim surcharge, and a £120 contribution to legal costs, pushing their total outlay to £690.
In court, the Lamberts openly acknowledged breaking the rules. “We put our hands up, we did do it the wrong way,” Tammy admitted. She also pointed out their generally strong attendance record, noting that Riley’s attendance sat at an impressive 97 per cent, with absences only ever due to illness or the recent holiday.
Despite this, the presiding magistrate reaffirmed the stance that routine school attendance is crucial, not only for academic progress but for the development of social skills. “If children are not in school, they are being deprived of essential skills. While we have every sympathy and acknowledge difficulties faced by families with disabled children, the law is very clear: you cannot take a child out of school without authority from the school’s headteacher,” the magistrate explained.
Cases like the Lamberts’ underscore the fine line between the need for flexibility in cases of special educational or medical needs, and the enforcement of attendance laws designed to ensure consistent education for all. Critics of the current system often argue that blanket rules can unfairly penalise parents who are acting in their children’s best interests, particularly when additional needs are involved.
The couple’s legal defeat and larger fine serve as a reminder to families across Wales and England of the potential consequences of unauthorised term-time absences, regardless of the underlying motivations. Education officials continue to urge parents to work with schools when extraordinary circumstances arise, seeking prior approval wherever possible.
As term-time holiday disputes persist in British courts, advocates for children with additional needs are pressing for greater clarity and compassion in the way such cases are handled. For now, however, the law remains a rigid guardian of the academic calendar.