MP backs supreme court decision on term time holidays

AN MP has backed a controversial court decision over school term time holidays, but admits the system ‘causes problems’.

Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn, said that unauthorised school absences have a ‘significant’ impact on children’s education.

The Supreme Court ruled on April 6 against Jon Platt, who appealed against a £120 Isle of Wight council fine after a week’s termtime trip to Disney World with his daughter two years ago without the headteacher’s authority.

Mr Jones welcomed the decision, but understood parents wanting to spend time with their children and the issue of increased prices during school holidays.

He said: “The current situation causes problems. Fixed holidays and holiday companies that inflate prices and put holidays out of reach of ordinary families. Half-term holiday prices are far higher.”

Mr Jones added: “Education is important. Anecdotal evidence suggests missing a week can have a detrimental impact on a child’s progress. Children have 12 weeks off a year and I know some schools are staggering holidays to help. However, there are also a small group of parents who don’t value their child’s education. Headteachers have to take action and I support them in doing so, when it is necessary.”

Figures in 2015 showed that there were 19,920 prosecutions in England for tru- ancy, with 14,890 guilty verdicts.

Bob Stott, Lancashire county council’s director for education, schools and care, backed the court’s decision, saying ‘every day counts’ in education.

He added: “Evidence shows that attainment is linked to attendance. Put simply, if children miss out on school, they miss out on learning.

“The decision to authorise absence or not rests with the headteacher of the particular school. In line with stricter government guide- lines, headteachers are now only able to authorise absence in exceptional circumstances.

“Although each request is taken on its merits, the starting point is always that term-time is for education. We encourage schools to work closely with parents to reduce unauthorised absences. Our aim throughout is not to punish parents but to ensure that children and young people attend school and receive a good education.”

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