THE number of parents fined for taking their children out of school for term time holidays has soared in Dorset.

Hundreds of parents have been handed £60 penalty notices by Dorset County Council after their children took unauthorised days off school.

In 2016/17, more than 563 fines were issued, up from 193 in 2015/16 – an increase of almost 200 per cent.

The figures were obtained via a Freedom of Information request.

Local authorities across the country are no longer taking overall attendance into account when handing out fines.

Dorset County Council is warning parents to consider the impact holidays during term time could have on their child’s education.

Under current legalisation, the county council may issue a penalty notice of £60 for unauthorised absence if requested by the school.

If the fine is not paid within 21 days, it will double to £120.

However, if the fine remains unpaid, parents could face being taken to court.

Councillor Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for economy, education, learning and skills, said: “It’s important that parents are aware that taking children out of school during term time, without permission from the headteacher, could result in prosecution.

"We would ask parents to consider the impact holidays during term time could have on their child’s education.

"There is clear evidence that missing school can lead to lower academic achievement.

"Taking a child on holiday in term time can also interrupt the learning of the whole class, with teachers having to spend time helping children catch up when they return.

"One of our top priorities is enabling children to have the best possible start in life, and a major part of this is education."