Half of parents take kids out of school for cheaper family holidays

26 June 2018

62% of parents say holidays are too expensive during the summer holidays
27% have taken their child out of school on more than one occasion
25% have taken their kids out of school for a whole week

Almost half (46%) of UK parents have taken their children out of school to go on holiday, according to a new study released by Co-op Insurance*.

Parents that are willing to let their children miss school say that financial strain is the leading factor in their decision, with two thirds (62%) saying that family holidays are too expensive when schools break up for summer.

For over a quarter (27%), getting time off work within school holidays is difficult and so say they resort to going on holiday in school time.

A further quarter (23%) say they take their children out of education for a ‘quieter’ holiday, and over a tenth (13%) feel as parents, this decision ultimately is theirs to make.

Despite taking children out of school without permission being against the law, of the parents who have taken a children out of school, a quarter (25%) have done so for a whole week, and a further one in ten (8%) have pushed it for up to two weeks.

Additionally, over a quarter (27%) of parents have owned up to skipping school for a family holiday on more than one occasion.

Colin Butler, Head of Travel Insurance at the Co-op said:

“Having already paid for the holiday itself, travel insurance can be seen as just an optional additional cost, which is why half of families (48%) don’t bother getting travel insurance.

“By not taking out cover however, families are risking nasty financial surprises should the worst happen whilst they’re on holiday.

“We want to make sure families are not only safe on holiday, but carry less of a financial burden when considering travel insurance. That’s why, during the summer, we’ll be offering children free travel insurance.”

From 1st June until 30th September 2018, Co-op Insurance will be offering free travel insurance to children under the age of 18 travelling with an adult.**

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Hannah Charlton
Press Officer
Email: Hannah.charlton@coop.co.uk
Mobile: 07713314894

Emily Penkett
PR Manager
Email: Emily.penkett@coop.co.uk
Mobile: 07738621201

*Research was conducted among 2000 parents in April 2018 on behalf of the Co-op by Atomik Research.

** Co-op Travel Insurance’s Kids go Free offer starts on 1st June – policies must be bought before 30th September 2018. Excludes cover for any pre-existing medical conditions. Covers up to three children under the age of 18 per paying adult.

About Co-op Travel Insurance

Co-op Travel Insurance is part of Co-op Insurance Services Limited and is underwritten by MAPFRE. Full policy details can be found here: https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/travel-insurance/policy-documents

About Co-op Insurance:

Co-op Insurance is part of the Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-ops, owned by millions of members. Alongside Co-op Insurance, we have the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer, the UK’s number one funeral services provider, and a developing legal services business.

As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes.