Louise Hamilton: Mother on cancer treatment break refused permission by school to take her son on term-time holiday
'It makes me feel that I have to be on my death bed to get a holiday authorised'
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Your support makes all the difference.A mother says she is disgusted by a school's refusal to authorise a holiday in term time - on her week-long break from cancer treatment.
Louise Hamilton, from Doncaster, was diagnosed with breast cancer on 4 March, aged 40, the Doncaster Free Press reports.
She was given an intense course of treatment over the next sixth months, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Her only break in treatment was the week beginning 7 September, when she wanted to take a holiday with her family.
Although the primary school that her younger son attends agreed to the request, Ridgewood Academy - where her 14-year-old son James studies - said the holiday would not be authorised as it was not classed as an exceptional circumstance.
Mrs Hamilton decided to go ahead with her holiday and took James, five-year-old Jacob and Brooke, three, away to Lincolnshire with her husband for a short break.
She said the academy has told her the holiday would be marked as unauthorised, but it is unlikely she will be fined.
Ridgewood Academy have been approached for comment.
Mrs Hamilton told the Doncaster Free Press: "I have gone through an operation, 15 weeks of chemotherapy and scans, but this is not 'exceptional' enough.
"I am absolutely livid. It makes me feel that I have to be on my death bed to get a holiday authorised."
Last week, a father who was taken to court after he took his seven-year-old daughter on holiday to Disney World in Florida during term time won his case.
Jon Platt, 44, was given a fine of £60, later doubled to £120, when it was not paid promptly.
His lawyer argued the law only requires parents to ensure their children attend school "regularly".
In 2013, the government cracked down on term-time holidays and changes to the law mean head teachers will only grant leave to pupils during term time in exceptional circumstances.
However, may parents feel they should be able to take their children on holiday during term time as prices are often cheaper and it may be easier for family members to take time off work.
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