A mother’s decision to take her young daughter on a sun-soaked getaway has spiraled into an ordeal she never anticipated, now threatening both her personal life and professional future.
Natalie Saunders, a 44-year-old risk and compliance worker from Crawley, West Sussex, took her eight-year-old daughter, Ava, on a week-long holiday to Bodrum, Turkey, this past May.
Saunders admits she knew that her daughter’s six-day absence from school during term time could result in a penalty fine.
Weighing the risks, Saunders, like many parents, believed the £60 fine would be a fair trade-off for more affordable travel rates.
Upon returning from the £900 trip, Saunders claims she never received any fine notice in the post.
Presuming she had avoided it altogether, she didn’t follow up with local authorities, especially after hearing from friends and family that such fines weren’t always guaranteed.
But three months later, on August 24, she was stunned to receive a letter from West Sussex County Council informing her of her “failure to pay,” which could now lead to prosecution.
The letter cited Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996, under which a parent can be charged if their child misses school without an acceptable excuse.
Now, Saunders faces a potential criminal conviction and a fine of up to £1,000, which she fears could tarnish her professional reputation.
“The idea of getting a criminal record is devastating. I’ve got a good job, and I’m studying for a diploma to further my career—this could ruin everything,” she shared.
Attempts to rectify the situation have only added to her frustration. When Saunders tried to pay the fine retroactively, the amount was refunded, and she was informed it was too late to settle the matter informally.
In her frustration, Saunders questioned the “madness” of the law, saying the burden is now on her to prove she did not receive the original fine letter.
“If I wasn’t a good person, I would’ve just taken my daughter off ‘sick’ for those six days,” she remarked.
The mother has also raised concerns about the poor postal service in her area. According to Saunders, Crawley’s postal service has faced significant delays due to staff shortages, making it one of the worst-performing regions in the country.
She argues that the council could have easily contacted her via email, as they had her contact information. “I haven’t seen any proof from them [the council] that they have posted the letter,” she said.
Despite her efforts, West Sussex County Council has continued with legal proceedings, emphasizing its strict stance on unauthorised term-time absences.
A spokesperson stated, “We follow the DfE National Guidelines on the use and issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices… ensuring consistency and fairness to all cases.”
The council asserts that unpaid fines are automatically referred to the court, allowing parents the chance to present any mitigating factors.
Local MP Peter Lamb, who has been in contact with Saunders, voiced his own concerns, describing the council’s position as a potential risk to the family’s future.
“The county council’s decision to prosecute Ms. Saunders when she has indicated she would pay a fine is putting her employment and her child’s wellbeing at risk,” Lamb stated.
As the court date approaches, Saunders contemplates her options, feeling increasingly pressured to plead guilty to avoid a court hearing.
“After all this, I’d never take my daughter out of school again. I am guilty of taking her out, but I would have paid the fine if I received it,” she concluded.
Now, Saunders must decide whether to continue fighting the charges, with the potential consequences of a criminal record looming—one that could impact her career, her family’s security, and ultimately her future.
Featured Image Credit: (Kennedy News and Media)
