|
|
|
|
| 
|
| School Absences
5.2.09
In the autumn, a local primary school got in touch with me to express
concerns about children taking term-time family holidays. While family
holidays can introduce children to a variety of experiences,
environments and cultures - the key question is how to encourage these
to take place during school holidays to minimise the disruption to all
of the children in class.
Government ministers pointed out that while they do not want to
interfere with market forces, they encourage tour operators to offer
free child places and early booking discounts; indeed they claim that
early booking discounts may be better than last-minute deals, which I
had not realised. It was also pointed out to me that unauthorised
absences from school (including taking holidays without permission) can
lead to fines as per the 1996 Education Act, so we have been warned!
Talking of fines and truancy, whether truancy is with or without
parents' knowledge, it disrupts the whole class and seriously affects
children's chances to get the best start in life. Although truancy
sweeps can be reassuring, I was shocked to find out that there are only
two per year. I have been invited on an extra mini-sweep during this
coming term to learn more - so be warned! I look forward to sharing some
truancy facts and figures after the sweep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTACT Adam
By Post:
You can write to Adam Holloway at:
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
By email:
hollowaya@parliament.uk
By phone:
House of Commons: 020 7219 8402 Gravesham: 01474 332097
View Larger Map
Please click to vote |
