Ravenfire
18-09-2005, 07:53 PM
HOLIDAYS TO CUT TRUANTS
Ministers have struck a deal with the travel industry to offer cheaper holidays in an attempt to stop parents taking children out of school during term.
Officials estimate that one in six children who are playing truant are in fact away with their parents as families try to avoid the high prices of breaks during school holidays.
The Department for Education and the Association of British Travel Agents announced the plan as the Government prepares to publish the latest truancy figures this week.
The scheme will include incentives such as free places for children and hundreds of pounds off family holidays booked early.
From November, early booking holiday deals will be promoted through a dedicated website for the campaign, called Every Lesson Counts.
ABTA and the main tour operators, including Thomas Cook, Kuoni, Virgin and others are also expected to promote deals for the Christmas break and next year's summer holidays.
Under a trial scheme operating last year, offers included a guaranteed free child place per booking, 50% discounts for up to two children sharing with two adults and ?400 off holidays in Florida and California.
Officials said headteachers have been taking an increasingly tough line with parents who remove their children from school to go on holiday.
Holiday companys have been fleecing parents for years!
Ministers have struck a deal with the travel industry to offer cheaper holidays in an attempt to stop parents taking children out of school during term.
Officials estimate that one in six children who are playing truant are in fact away with their parents as families try to avoid the high prices of breaks during school holidays.
The Department for Education and the Association of British Travel Agents announced the plan as the Government prepares to publish the latest truancy figures this week.
The scheme will include incentives such as free places for children and hundreds of pounds off family holidays booked early.
From November, early booking holiday deals will be promoted through a dedicated website for the campaign, called Every Lesson Counts.
ABTA and the main tour operators, including Thomas Cook, Kuoni, Virgin and others are also expected to promote deals for the Christmas break and next year's summer holidays.
Under a trial scheme operating last year, offers included a guaranteed free child place per booking, 50% discounts for up to two children sharing with two adults and ?400 off holidays in Florida and California.
Officials said headteachers have been taking an increasingly tough line with parents who remove their children from school to go on holiday.
Holiday companys have been fleecing parents for years!