|
Middle class parents are being warned that they are just as likely to face on the spot truancy fines if they book family holidays during term time.
In a crack down on parents who pull children out of school to take advantage of cheaper air fares and hotels, local education officers, police and school staff will be able to issue fixed penalty notices.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) said middle class parents have just as much responsibility to make sure their children attend lessons as those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A spokeswoman said: "Any kind of absence that has not been authorised by the school is truancy, whether that is taking a child Christmas shopping, taking a Mediterranean holiday in the middle of school term or just letting a child roam around the local housing estate."
Missing lessons
The measures are to be included in new anti-social behaviour legislation.
It follows growing concern among heads about the number of parents prepared to let their children miss lessons in order to save money.
|
