Parents who let their children skip school to go on holiday face stiff fines.
Anyone whose children miss classes without getting the school's permission could be hit with a £100 penalty under new rules started this week.
Education chiefs in Essex are concerned at the growing number of schoolchildren taking time off during term time as some families take advantage of cheaper package deals outside the school holidays.
But teachers say some youngsters struggle to catch up with their studies when they get back. Now headteachers will rule on whether children can miss school to go on holiday.
Parents who take youngsters out of classes without permission will get a written warning followed by a £50 fine if they do it again. The fine doubles to £100 if it is not paid within 28 days. And parents who refuse to pay are likely to end up in court.
Published Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article