The Petition of Janice Skelcher, a mother living in Coventry,

Declares that she was recently given a conditional discharge for removing her children from school without permission. At the time she was caring for her mother who was terminally ill. The court refused to hear her Article 8 arguments that justified her actions in protecting the mental health of her children by taking them for a break. She has also been hit by an excessive £400 legal costs.

The petitioner therefore requests that the House of Commons Education Select Committee reviews the recent changes to the law in respect of school absences and recommends to the government that greater support and flexibility is allowed for parents to enable them to more effectively care for their children.

And them Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by John Hemming.]

[P001376]