ASCL welcomes change in regulations to deter term time holidays

Many secondary schools have refused to authorise term time holidays for a long time and new regulations proposed by the government will not change practice says ASCL, responding to a report in the Sunday Telegraph. Nevertheless this announcement will send out a strong message to parents about the importance of good attendance as a key to success in school.

Brian Lightman, ASCL General Secretary commented:

“If we as a society are serious about our ambitions to have a world class education system it is absolutely right that expectations are higher than ever, and this includes school attendance. Young people only have one chance at an education and for schools to do their best for them, it is essential that young people are in school every day.”

“Most parents are excellent at making sure their children are in school every day. Sadly some parents have viewed the clause in the regulations allowing headteachers the discretion to authorise up to ten days of absence as some kind of right rather like annual leave. They then take their children out of school every year in order to get cheaper holiday deals.  The fact is that two weeks absence from school ever year amounts to one twentieth of a child’s school education during which time a child might miss crucially important parts of the curriculum.”

“Nevertheless a change in regulations alone will not resolve this problem.  It is not as yet clear how the government will be able to enforce these regulations  or whether it intends to challenge those travel companies who aggressively  market cheap family holidays during term time.”

19 February 2012