Sue Radford, star of 22 Kids and Counting and matriarch of Britain’s largest family, has sparked discussion after commenting on parents taking children out of school for holidays.
Following her family’s recent £52,000 Florida trip, Radford has already begun planning their next getaway after spotting significantly reduced flight prices outside of peak school holiday periods.
The mother-of-22 shared her thoughts on social media after noticing remarkably low-priced flights to Orlando, a favourite destination for the Radford family.
Radford shared a screenshot on social media showing current TUI flights from Gatwick to Orlando priced at just £196 per person. This represents a significant saving compared to peak season prices.
Flight costs typically fluctuate based on the time of year and school holiday schedules, with prices often tripling during school breaks.
Such dramatic increases can make international travel unaffordable for many families, particularly those with multiple children.
In her social media post, Radford directly addressed the issue of term-time holidays, writing: “Anyone looking at flights for Florida this month, these are crazy low, then they wonder why parents take kids out of school,” The Express reports.
Taking children out of school for holidays during term time is generally prohibited in the UK and can result in fines for parents who choose to do so despite the regulations.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
22 Kids and Counting star Chloe Radford gives birth to second child as she shares unique baby nameChloe Radford shares ‘scary’ pregnancy update as 22 Kids and Counting star suffers health issueSue Radford prompts debate among fans who fume ‘way too much’ as family spend Easter in Florida
From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the UK increased to £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
This represents the first increase since 2012 and aligns with inflation. Parents who receive a second fine for the same child within any three-year period will face the higher rate of £160.
Fines are capped at two per parent within a three-year period, after which authorities may consider alternative measures such as a parenting order or prosecution.
The Radford family is no stranger to luxury travel, having reportedly enjoyed 18 holidays in just 12 months last year.
Their recent Florida trip, estimated to cost £52,000, is just one of many planned excursions.
Noel Radford, father of the 22 children, has previously shared that the family intends to travel the globe extensively this year.
With seven dogs in addition to their 22 children, the family’s ability to fund such frequent travel has raised questions among observers.
The Radfords support themselves through their family bakery, The Radford Pie Company, which they have owned since 1999.
Located near their home in Heysham and Morecambe, the business has expanded to fulfil online orders across the UK.
The family also generates income through their reality TV show 22 Kids and Counting, which has run for four series.
According to brand expert Andy Barr, Noel and Sue likely receive less than £10,000 per episode, though this fee could increase if the show continues to be commissioned for additional seasons.