Court fines family for 'quieter' term-time holiday

Magistrates told Tammy and Daniel Lambert it is important for their children to attend school

A mum and dad who took their four children on a term-time holiday because it was quieter for their autistic son have been ordered to pay £690.

Tammy and Daniel Lambert had complained to local media after being fined £480 – £60 per parent per child – following the trip to Benalmadena in Spain in April 2024.

The couple, from Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, refused to pay the fine and instead took their case to North Staffordshire Justice Centre – where they were told to pay the larger cost.

The court heard that son Riley had been waiting for an autism assessment at the time of the holiday, and had since been diagnosed with the condition after two years on a waiting list.

Mrs Lambert told the court they arranged meal times for when it was quieter and were around the pool in a quieter area.

They had disability assistance on the plane and getting through the airport, she said, where Riley wore ear defenders and a weighted blanket.

"One of the reasons for going then was we were going with a family that understands the struggles we have," she said.

She added: "We put our hands up, we did do it the wrong way.

"The children have good attendance – Riley's is 97% at the moment and the only time they are off is due to illness."

'Law is clear'

The Lamberts admitted that their four children failed to attend school between 25 April and 3 May 2024.

They were fined a total of £407 and ordered to pay a combined £163 victim surcharge and £120 costs.

The court granted a request for the Lamberts and their son to be named.

"It's important that children attend school, not only for their education but for their social skills," the couple were told by magistrates.

"If they are not in school they are being deprived of essential skills, not withstanding the difficulties a disabled child will have.

"While we have every sympathy and acknowledge the difficulties, from what you have told us, the difficulties of having a disabled child, the law is very clear."

They said parents were not permitted to take a child out of school without the prior authority of the headmaster, and that they were in court due to not paying the fixed-penalty notice.

This news has been gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.