Holidays During Term Time

Holidays During Term Time

I know many families in our constituency feel strongly about the importance of family holidays. I also understand parents would like to avoid the busier, more expensive periods, which often coincide with the school term. During the Westminster Hall debate on 27 October, many Members raised this issue, and I hope travel companies pay close attention to the feelings of them and their constituents.

Schools and local authorities have the flexibility to plan term dates and hold inset days at less busy times of the year. I believe this could be utilised to help families plan holidays at more suitable and less expensive times.

We are facing an absence epidemic, with one in five children persistently absent. As was highlighted in the debate, research shows that just an extra ten days out of school halves a child’s chance of achieving a grade 5 in English and maths, compared to a similar child with strong attendance. Similarly, a child who misses ten days of school each year for a two-week holiday, and also has the average number of days off from sickness or appointments, will have missed the equivalent of a full school year by the time they finish year 11. Absence damages learning, health and wellbeing, as well as future earnings and employment. Each day of learning lost can do serious harm.

I am disappointed the previous Government did not listen to the education recovery commissioner, who encouraged vital investment to support children in their post-pandemic education. I am glad, however, that this Government is working to tackle the absence crisis, with progress already being made. Last year, more than five million extra days were spent in school compared to the previous year – the biggest improvement in a decade.

The national framework for penalty notices emphasises the need for working with families, especially for families of children with SEND, who face some of the biggest issues with persistent absence. It is important that absence is enforced consistently to guarantee fairness, and the framework is designed to ensure this. I am also glad to hear the travel industry is taking steps to improve the travel experience for children with SEND, and I understand the Government is interested in exploring this area further.