A mother of four from Flamborough fears she will be fined just under £1,000 for taking her children out of school for a second holiday during term time. Hannah, 34, who runs The Boathouse cafe in Bridlington, was previously fined £480 in 2025 for a similar absence and took her children to Greece again in September.
She expressed concern that a second fine would be doubled to £960. Government guidelines permit local councils to issue fines of £80 per child for missing school, rising to £160 for a second fine within three years.
Hannah stated that for workers in hospitality or the NHS, taking time off during summer holidays is not always possible. Her husband, Tom, 37, a fisherman, added that their seasonal occupations mean they earn most of their income in July and August.
The Department for Education commented that term-time holidays place a burden on teachers and affect the entire class. A spokesperson also noted that fixed penalty notices remain a vital part of the system to ensure children are in school.
Hannah has written to Charlie Dewhirst, Conservative MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, appealing for a more lenient approach from the council, particularly for working families in the tourist industry.