A: This is what the DfES says about taking family holidays in term time:
"Wherever possible, you should take your holidays during school holidays. Avoid taking your child on holiday at critical times during their education. For example, at the beginning of the academic year, especially if they change schools, or when your child should be taking exams or tests. You should not expect your child's school to agree to a family holiday during term time. The school will carefully consider your request and they may take your child's attendance record into account. Schools will not agree to your child missing more than a total of 10 school days for family holidays in any one school year, unless there is a very good reason. If your child is off school for more than 10 days, the school may set work for him or her to do while you are away."
Q: My son is in year nine - I have just found out that he is playing truant. I want to know the best way to tackle the problem. I have already stopped his pocket money and grounded him - but short of taking him into school myself every day I don't know what to do. Please help.Kiran, Ilford
A: Dear Kiran,Thank you for your query. The best thing to do is to phone the head teacher of your son's school and discuss the situation with him or her. The school will probably have anti-truancy measures in place and the head teacher can advise you on the best way of dealing with your son's truancy. In some schools they have a register which the subject teacher signs after every class, stating whether your son attended or not. The school may also have an education welfare officer who could help you to deal with the problem - ask the head teacher what means of support is available to you.
