Term-time holiday stance 'is criminalising parents'

A city MP is supporting one mum’s campaign against fines for term-time holidays...

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A MUM-OF-TWO leading a national movement opposing fines for taking children on term-time holidays says the Government's stance is 'criminalising parents.

Natalie Elliott, 37, set up a petition when she tried to take her autistic daughter, Evie, away for two-days of respite - only for it to be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Natalie argues that nine-year-old Evie finds peak-season holidays too daunting due to the bustling crowds and maintains that parents should have the leeway of 10 days per academic year for family getaways.

Her 'Fight School Fines' community on Facebook has amassed over 20,000 followers, and her petition with 146,000 signatories is set to spark debate in Parliament this month.

In March, Natalie took to the front lines, orchestrating protests in various UK cities.

She has been supported by Dr Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, who voiced her opinions during a Westminster debate in November.