Charlotte Crouch, a mother of four from Exeter, England, has defended her decision to take her children out of school for a five-day trip to Gran Canaria in June. The family faced a £480 fine from Devon County Council for the unauthorized absence, yet Crouch stated the trip resulted in a £2,500 saving compared to traveling during school holidays. She described the decision as a "no-brainer."
Crouch explained on social media that the trip was to celebrate her father and stepmother's 25th wedding anniversary, which included a vow renewal ceremony. She emphasized that her children, who are not currently facing significant academic milestones like GCSEs, would have been heartbroken to miss the event. She also suggested the trip had educational value, citing swimming and dolphin-watching activities.
The fine of £480 was issued for three of her four children. Local councils can levy a fine of £80 per parent for each child's unauthorized absence during term time. Failure to pay within 21 days would result in the fine doubling, with further non-payment potentially leading to prosecution.
Crouch criticized the fine, calling it "wild" and suggesting it felt like a "money-making scheme." She stated that the cost savings made it a logical choice, especially as her husband's work in agriculture makes traveling during August holidays more difficult.
A spokesperson for Devon County Council commented that schools authorize pupil absences on a case-by-case basis, typically only for exceptional circumstances, and that holidays are generally not considered exceptional. The council follows Department for Education guidance, treating unapproved absences as unauthorized and acknowledging that parents taking such leave should expect a fine, regardless of holiday cost considerations.