Could This Be The First Signs Of A Change In The “School or Holiday” Debate ?

Council leaders are suggesting that the recently introduced ban on term-time holidays should be removed in order that head teachers can be allowed to take a “common-sense” approach. The ban dates from September last year, from which time local authorities have been obliged to fine parents who take children out of school for unauthorised absences.

It is the view of the Local Government Association however that the inflexible rules do not fully take into account the dynamics of modern family life. A Department for Education spokeswoman pointed out that heads still had flexibility, but the rules are still perceived as draconian.

The "School/Holiday Debate" continues

Until last September, heads could grant up to 10 days' leave a year for family holidays in "special circumstances".  But now head teachers can grant absence outside school holidays only in "exceptional circumstances". Local authorities are obliged to instigate fines and enforce legal proceedings on behalf of schools.

This means parents who take children out of school during term-time, often to avoid very high holiday costs, can receive automatic penalty notices of £60 per child. This rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days.  Parents who fail to pay could face prosecution and a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months.

The LGA said that the councils are willing to give their support to the Department for Education's stance that every child should be in school every day,  but made the point that there were occasions when circumstances should be given individual consideration.  These might include religious festivals, weddings, funerals or even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

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. “

Some parents take the view that the savings on cheaper holidays during the school terms are worth the cost of being fined.  One parent, Donna-Marie Hollingdale said that if she had taken her children out of school during term she could have saved at least £1,200 and paid the fine as well. "I'd happily pay the fine and take my child out of school when the holidays are a lot cheaper because I'd still be quids in and still save money."

Last year one primary, Bishop Bronescombe C of E school in St Austell, Cornwall, created an extra week's holiday at the end of the May half-term holiday so that low-paid parents could take advantage of lower prices.

But a spokeswoman for the Department for Education said that heads had the option of allowing time off if necessary.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The problem lies with the holiday companies and airlines and if this issue is to be addressed sensibly then there should be pressure put on them, not schools.

"Many teachers are parents and we entirely sympathise with the dilemma caused by price hikes for breaks during the school holidays.  In particular, at this time of pressure on pay, our sympathies are with those on low pay who have little option but to take the cheapest holiday they can find. It remains the case that pupils can be granted time off in exceptional circumstances."