Half of parents in term-time breaks

ALMOST half of parents have taken their child out of school to go on holiday, with many saying it is too expensive to go away during the summer break, a poll suggests.

More than one in four (27%) mums and dads say they have taken their youngster out of lessons for a trip on more than one occasion, according to a survey commissioned by Co-op Insurance.

And a further one in five (19%) say they have done so once.

Almost two thirds (62%) of those that have taken their child away during term time, or would consider doing so, said it is too expensive to take them on holiday during the summer holidays.

More than one in four (27%) said they had taken the decision because it was the only time they or their partner could take leave from work.

And just under a quarter (23%) agreed that it was quieter to go away during term time.

The findings, which come as the sixweek holidays approach, also indicate that some parents are taking their child out of school for a week or more.

Of those that have taken their son or daughter away during term time, 25% said their child had missed a week of lessons, while 8% said they had missed up to two weeks.

Some 8% said their child had missed just one day, 26% said they had missed two days, 20% said they had missed three days and 13% said their child had missed four.

Government ministers have argued that no child should be taken out of school without good reason, and that missing just one day can affect a pupil’s chances of getting good exam results.

Around one in six pupils missed lessons last year for term-time holidays, according to figures.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “The best way to ensure children are learning and progressing is for them to attend school during term time.

“However, the current system of holiday pricing is driving a wedge between schools and families.

“Neither parents nor schools set the prices of holidays and without some sensible government intervention they will both continue to be caught between a rock and hard place.”

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