The parents who say increasing fines for term-time holidays won't stop them

Attendance is a major issue for schools right now and the introduction of higher fines for term-time holidays is one of the measures being taken to try to tackle the problem.

It was the former Conservative government which decided to increase the fines from £60 a week, (per child, per parent) up to £80 a week, before the increase came into force under the new Labour administration.

For a typical family of two adults and two children, it means a two-week holiday during term-time could end up costing them an extra £480. And the cost ramps up if not paid within three weeks.

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But what they can save by travelling off-peak can run into the thousands, which is why some parents are opting to do so.

It's something mum Rachel, from Manchester, chose to do with her two children last February. Even after paying a £240 fine, she saved £760 on the cost of the holiday, which was a grand cheaper during term-time.

"I just paid it as the fine still made the holiday cheaper," said Rachel, who explained how much of a learning experience the trip was.

"They learnt some Spanish and French and even made friends with Italian, German and Dutch children," she said. "They were learning how others live, tried new foods, visited different places, attempted different sports, saw different wildlife, improved their swimming skills and most of all made lifetime memories.

"They probably learnt more than they would have done in the classroom, it's just another money making scheme."

Mum Zara agrees and told us many families are taking the fine because they simply can't afford the price of holidays when kids are off school.

"I personally would take mine out during term time