PARENTS in Wirral have responded to the news that fines are increasing for taking kids out of school.

It was announced last week that parents in England would face higher fines than ever before if they take their children out of class without permission.

If a child misses five days of school for unauthorised absence, the Department for Education (DfE) has said a fine must be considered.

For the past several years school absence fines have started at £60, rising to £120 if they are not paid within 21 days. However, the DfE has said fines will now increase to a base of £80, rising to £160.

But mums and dads believe the move will make little difference, with many saying the 'extortionate' costs of holidaying when kids are off is to blame.

Parents took to the Wirral Globe Facebook page to share their thoughts on the changes.

Eric Wade said: “I've never taken my daughter out of school until this school year (year 4). She's had 100% every year up to now. I took her out to help me with the RBL Poppy Appeal where I'm the local organiser for one day and one day also on last day before Xmas to fly to Thailand. She learned loads while in Thailand and learned about history in the Poppy Appeal. I explained this to the school. Luckily they didn't fine me.”

Louise Baker said: “They’ll still fine you. We learned the hard way and all three of our kids had full attendance/ over 90% every year. They weren’t bothered about the reasons why. I’d still do it again though as we still saved over £3k.”

Stephanie Frances said: “I got threatened with a fine because my daughter was ill with that norovirus. I also took her out on the last day before Christmas because they were watching home alone. So took her to the Liverpool museums. She said my daughter was lying and they were working. So I guess all her friends were lying too. She learned more on that day than she did at school.”

Joanne Stobbart added: “Where do the fines go? Do the fines benefit the school or the children? Some children may not ever experience a holiday as their parents can’t afford term time prices, we all know holiday companies put the prices up . As long as the child’s attendance is generally good, then what’s the issue of having a week in the sun at an affordable cost for the family?

“So many mental health issues, this way more pressure is added at working families. A child could attend school all year, parents take them out for a week with a massive price difference and get fined!

“Then another child could be absent all the time, school will know who these regular offenders are and get the same fine. Some parents have to go on holiday when their employer dictates the time taken away from the workplace .

“Always the families who are punished, kids should have a holiday if their parents can afford it, this is just another money making scheme and the money is received in the wrong hands and doesn’t benefit the working people.”

Nickie Jones commented: “Won't put me off taking them on holiday. Paid one fine already not afraid to pay another. The £80 is still hundreds less than a holiday in term time.”

Nicola Pritchard said: “Allow parents to take their children out of school for holidays when they like! Why do the government try and control every single aspect of our lives? They’re our children not theirs.”

Dan Pugh said: “Just allow each parent 1 week a year to take kids on holiday outside of term time.”