Liberal Democrats have called for the Government to allow families to take children out of school during term-time to avoid crippling holiday costs.

The party has warned that the ban on missing lessons is ‘socially divisive’ because it forces poorer families to break the rules or miss out on holidays altogether.

In a motion passed at our Party Conference, the new policy argues headteachers should have discretion to grant up to ten days absence a year.

Rules introduced by Michael Gove when he was Education Secretary ended this right.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson John Pugh said:

“Many employees have no choice when to take their holidays.

“People in some areas have to work all through the summer at the height of the tourism season.

“Or others simply cannot afford to go on holiday at peak times, when demand for holidays is through the roof.

“So, it’s vitally important to offer more flexibility to schools and headteachers to help families who need to take a break together.”