I’m a single mum & quit my job to go travelling with my daughter – we lost our home too but her school didn’t fine me
TAKING your children on holidays can be a hectic experience for some but one single mum can’t recommend it enough.
Alicia Tunnicliffe, who quit her job to explore Asia with her five-year-old daughter, described their recent trip as the “best time.”
The 23-year-old explained that she was originally apprehensive about taking her daughter Milani abroad.
After trips with Alicia’s parents, the pair took off on a week-long trip to Tunisia last year.
The adventure to Africa made Alicia realise it wasn’t as overwhelming as she thought being a single mum while travelling abroad.
She decided to go away for a longer period of time so she quit her job as an estate agent and set her sights on exploring Asia.
To save up for the backpacking trip, the pair moved in with Alicia’s parents.
Despite her family calling the idea “crazy,” Devon resident and her daughter set off for Bangkok in early June.
Alicia said she has found “freedom” travelling with her daughter and says they are having the “best time”.
She recalled how her views on travelling as a single parent have changed.
“Only a year ago I was terrified, I don’t feel scared anymore,” she said.
Alicia explained that she wanted to go away with Milani for longer while they were still able to make the trip.
“I thought the week holidays are nice but wouldn’t it be nice if we do something a bit longer,” she said.
“I want to be a teacher and I’m starting college in September [so] I thought I should probably do it now.”
She said she saved “every single penny” to make the trip a reality while there was still time.
In order to make the dates work, Alicia pulled Milani out of reception for the remainder of the year.
She said the school has been really supportive and told her she wouldn’t be fined.
What school fines can parents receive?
THE main issue that can lead to parents receiving a fine is missing school.
Currently, it’s the decision of the local council whether or not to issue a parent a fine for their child missing school.
However, from August this year, the fine for absences will up to the school to consider – when a child has missed 10 or more sessions for unauthorised reasons.
And the fine will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days – this is issued to EACH parent.
It’s the first time the fine has been increased since 2012, and is in line with inflation.
If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, this will automatically be charged at the higher rate of £160.
Fines will be capped at two fines within a three-year period.
After this limit has been reached, prosecution or a parenting order may be considered.
According to the official government website, there are only five reasons your child should be absent from school if the school is open.
These are as follows:
- Your child is too ill to attend that day
- You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances
- Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance
- Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet
- You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school
After exploring Bangkok, the mother and daughter travelled around Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Next, they hope to make their way through Vietnam and Malaysia.
Alicia said she has been surprised at how easy the pair’s travels have been, despite a few hiccups along the way.
“We were leaving Bangkok and we showed the lady our passes and she said we were at the wrong airport,” she explained.
Milani has adjusted better than I have.
Alicia Tunnicliffe
“But we managed to get another flight.”
She also described how well Milani has adapted to life on the road.
“Milani has adjusted better than I have,” Alicia said.
“She wasn’t moaning about the heat as much as I have, I threw her in the deep end and she’s just swam.”
Alicia said Milani’s favourite moments have been going to see the pig island and going to the cat café in Bangkok.
There is so much that she is learning. She’s aware not everyone has the luxuries we do.
Alicia Tunnicliffe
The young mother has managed to balance activities tailored for both her and her daughter during their travels.
“Some said it’s great idea but you don’t have any freedom,” Alicia explained.
“I completely disagree, we went to a Love Island beach club the other night.
“We do something she wants to do one day and something I want to do the next.”
Alicia said that she feels Milani is learning more on their travels than she would be in reception.
“There is so much that she is learning,” she said.
“She’s so cautious of traffic, she’s aware not everyone has the luxuries we do.
“Not everyone can pick up the bags and travel the world.”
Alicia expressed her hope that Milani would continue to travel when she grows up.
She added that she wants her experience to inspire other single parents to travel with their children.
“Even if you’re from the Midlands and you take your child down to Cornwall, it’s time you’re not attached to your phone,” she pointed out.
“You get them to see something different from home.”
