We’ve recently noted that bookings for stays in caravan holiday parks have been on the up this year. Many of the big names such as Hoseasons have all reported an increase on bookings over the previous year for the summer period, and the trend appears to be stretching into the autumn, although with the return of the rain we’re expecting bookings to start falling off.
One holiday park manager has however noted a definite drop in the number of term time bookings from families with children. This is obviously only one park, but, we’re guessing that there will be a similar trend across parks in England.
Patrick Langmaid of Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park has looked at his booking figures and is sure that the drop is down to the threat of fines or even a custodial sentence for taking children out of school during term time. He noted that the drop is particularly poignant for Cornish families. Many people in Cornwall are employed in the tourist industry and are unable to take holidays during the peak season which coincides with school holidays, therefore leaving them no other option than to take term time holidays.
He also points out that the new regime of fines is depriving other children of their holidays (More). Aside from the families in Cornwall that he is talking about there are many families across the rest of Britain who simply cannot afford to take peak season breaks, and with the threat of further economic misery that a fine would entail they may be reluctant to take their children on holiday at all.
Obviously holiday firms may be accused of guarding their own financial interests when complaining about the fines, however they are not the only people complaining about the current education regime. A recent letter to the Independent signed by authors, teachers and parents has accused the current government of turning schools into ‘exam factories’, which are in turn making children anxious and unhappy. Add to that the misery of no holiday with mum and dad…and a ‘picture’ appears to be emerging…
What do you think? Should the fines regime continue? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.
By: Gareth Whieldon
