Schools boss defends family holiday rules

The controversial regulations on taking children out of school during term time have been supported by education bosses, who say there is enough flexibility in the current rules.

Geoff Pettengell, representative for the Shropshire Secondary Heads Association, has said while the rules may be strict, they have enough flexibility to accommodate for exceptional circumstances.

He said: "My opinion is that we would take the view that it is really important that children are in school, and that is how they are going to ensure their best outcomes.

"There are some great schools in Shropshire and attendance is a big part of success in those schools.

"Having said that, there are a range of exceptional circumstances where parents and families require time to spend together for a whole range of reasons. My personal advice is that there is enough flexibility within the rules to grant permission in exceptional circumstances."

But the Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for headteachers to be allowed to use their common sense when approving trips, allowing parents to take their youngsters away from school during term time without risking a fine.

Under the current system, parents who take children out of school without permission could face a £60 fine per child, rising to £120 if it is not paid within 21 days – those who fail to pay can face prosecution with a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months.

The new rules on term time trips were introduced last year and opponents argue that some families are unable to, or cannot afford to take breaks during school holidays.

But Mr Pettengell said: "We wouldn't want to go back to a time like five or six years ago when parents felt they were entitled to take children out for two weeks each year. I think it is about headteachers using their professional judgement. It is not about having your annual holiday when the flights are cheaper. It is about taking into account children's education and their development."

The LGA said that while it supported the government's view that every child should be in school every day, it believed there were occasions where parents' requests should be considered – such as religious festivals, weddings, funerals or a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

It added that currently parents looking to go abroad during school holidays could find that costs were double that of travelling during term time, as travel firms ramped up prices.

For example, the association claimed that the cost for a family of four to go to Cyprus this half-term - which for many schools is next week - is around £510 per person, but drops to £119 per person two weeks later.

The LGA also said that bans on term time breaks were particularly hard on those working in professions such as the NHS, police and armed forces.

Councillor David Simmonds, chairman of the LGA's children and young people board, said: "Ensuring every child has a good school attendance is of paramount concern for everyone working with children.

"However, common sense must prevail in cases when mums and dads ask to take their child out of school during term time if there is a legitimate reason.

"An outright ban is too simplistic and doesn't recognise that family life and circumstances aren't always so black and white."

Figures published earlier this month showed that 2.5 million school days were lost because of family holidays in the autumn and spring terms of 2013/14, both those authorised by the school and unauthorised, down 0.8 million from 3.3 million the year before.