We call on the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to review the guidance to Local Authorities on head teachers being able to authorise absence for family holidays during term time. Many families from poor backgrounds can only afford to go on holiday during term time, as holidays are about 60% more expensive during the holiday period. Also, many families where parents work are unable to take time off during the school holidays. Holidays can be extremely educational, giving the children awareness of the world in which we live.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 04/02/2020.

The Committee considered the petition alongside P-04-606 Ensure schools exercise their statutory powers under regulation 7 of The Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 without interference or bias and agreed to close both petitions in light of the fact that the Welsh Government is reviewing school-attendance guidance with a view to issuing a public consultation in future ,and the fact that the Government has previously written to local authorities to reiterate the importance of head teachers being able to apply discretion to requests for absences in term-time.

Full details of the consideration of this petitions by the committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 15/07/2014.

Petition raised by:  Bethany Walpole

Date Petition first considered by Committee: 15 July 2014

Number of signatures: 1008