SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Sir.

As one might expect, the issue of taking children out of school during term time for unauthorised absence has dominated our national news today, as one parent managed to persuade the courts to overturn the decision to impose fines levied by his daughter’s school.    

I believe this was the right decision but it does pose a problem for schools.

As the former Chair of Somerset Schools Forum, and now Chair of the Corporate Parent Board, which oversees the welfare of all children looked after in the county, I am well aware of the adverse impact that poor attendance can have on shaping a child’s future.

What is worrying about this case is that Jon Platt is clearly articulate and had done his homework, making his decision to take his daughter out of school for a family holiday during term time in full knowledge of the consequences. I fear that this may open the doors for less responsible parents to do the same.

On the other hand, regular attendance is of course important but what we must not forget is that merely attending is not the same thing as the child in question learning something of value. In my councillor role I know only too well of many councillors who regularly attend meetings but who gain nothing and contribute even less by their attendance; it is not unheard of for colleagues, in full view of the public, to be reading a newspaper, Tweeting their mates, or completing crosswords.

We must remember that there are many ways to learn, and many places in which to do so. Whilst classroom attendance is important it is not nearly as valuable as achievement.

We must not forget either that there remains a real issue for working parents trying to juggle their leave entitlement to fit in around school terms, along with the price hikes inflicted on them by travel companies.

There are no easy answers but the decisions taken by those in authority do need to be challenged, if for no other reason than to open up the debate.

What appears not to have been addressed is how the fines imposed were to be used; to boost the schools diminishing budget perhaps?