A British influencer family, known for their large brood of 22 children, has reportedly been fined for pulling their kids out of school to visit Disney World in Florida. Noel and Sue Radford, the stars of the UK’s ’22 Kids and Counting’ show on Channel 5, decided to take a trip to Orlando earlier this year. The Radfords captured moments from their Disney World adventure on Instagram, including character meet-and-greets, parades, rides, and delicious park food.
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According to a report from LancsLive, the family received a fine for not ensuring regular school attendance for four of their children during the period of March 24 to May 1. The Preston Magistrates Court imposed a fine of £65 (around $84) per child, along with court costs of £118 (about $155). The UK’s Department for Education introduced fines last year for parents who take their children out of school without valid reasons, emphasizing the importance of good attendance for better academic performance and overall well-being.
Legal councils and schools have the authority to issue fines, parenting orders, education supervision orders, or school attendance orders for such incidents. A spokesperson from Lancashire County Council highlighted the significance of supporting schools in addressing attendance issues and ensuring that children receive quality education. The Radford family, led by Noel and Sue, rose to fame through their journey of raising a large family, starting with their first child when Sue was only 14 and Noel was 18. They now have 22 children spanning ages from 5 to 36, in addition to 13 grandchildren.
The Radfords expressed their commitment to working with schools to minimize unauthorized absences and promote regular attendance among students. Despite the clear attendance laws, there are circumstances where pupils may legitimately miss school, and collaboration between schools and parents is encouraged to address such situations effectively. Notably, the family had previously gained attention through a UK documentary series in 2012 called ’15 Kids and Counting’, before starring in their own show starting in 2023.
As the Radford family navigates this fine for their Disney World trip, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to school attendance regulations to support children’s educational development. While the family has not responded to requests for comments on the matter from PEOPLE or the Preston Magistrates Court, their story continues to captivate audiences with their remarkable journey of raising a large and loving family. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation and the Radford family’s adventures.