FAMILIES are missing out on vital bonding opportunities because they fear prosecution by education authorities if they take holidays during term-time.

That is the view of the Local Government Association (LGA), a body which represents 370 councils around the country, and which is this week calling for headteachers to be given greater power to sanction holiday requests.

Laws introduced in 2013 currently mean parents can be hauled into court and fined if they take their children out of lessons to enjoy a holiday.

Previous rules which gave headteachers authority to approve up to 10 days’ leave in ‘exceptional circumstances’ no longer apply, and parents can now be reported to their local authorities and fined £60 per parent, per child – an amount which doubles if not paid within 21 days.

Those who fail to pay could face prosecution, with a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months.

However, the cost of overseas trips skyrockets during school holidays, amid suspicion that some travel companies raise prices to exploit the high demand.

For instance, LGA research says a family of four heading to the Canary Islands this half term would pay around £2,000 more than if taking the same holiday a week either side. The price rises from £2,484 before half term, to £4,800 during and dropping to £2,523 after.

Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset’s Liberal Democrats and a father of two boys aged six and three, said: “Children’s education should be treated with the upmost seriousness, but it is clear that the current system does not work for many Weston families, especially those that are struggling to meet the demands of modern life or have unconventional work commitments.

“There has to be a sensible solution whereby every family has the option to spend time together when they choose to, without fear of prosecution from education authorities.

“Giving families time to be on holiday together can have social and emotional benefits which are of lasting value and support to children. It should not be something for which they are unduly punished.”

Teachers acknowledge there is no simple solution, with Lorraine Fitzpatrick, headteacher at Weston’s Milton Park Primary School, suggesting Government action on holiday pricing could help.

She said: “This is a difficult one and really does apply to each individual child.

“On one hand, children spending quality family time with busy working parents is essential and I agree the costs are shocking when taking holidays during school holidays. Teachers with families feel this financial burden too.

“However, there are parents who do abuse the system and absenteeism becomes a huge problem, with children missing out on vital educational learning.

“Also, for those children who need extra support in their learning (and who may have great attendance), every day really does count and taking holidays during term time only widens the gap in their child’s learning and achievement.

“If the Government could sanction ‘fair price’ on holiday companies then maybe we wouldn’t have this problem. However the LGA and Department for Education need to agree on this action before heads become pulled in both directions.”

However, while opinion may be divided in the education sector about whether banning holidays during term time is bad for pupils or not, the tourism industry is united in condemning the rule.

A new survey has seen more than two-thirds of tourism businesses in the South West say they have been negatively impacted by the ban on term-time holidays.

A fifth of tourism businesses in the region say income has fallen by more than 30 per cent, while more than 60 per cent have seen reduced takings since the regulations were introduced in 2013.

The statistics come from Tourism Society Westcountry (TSW) and the South West Tourism Alliance (SWTA) after a new study of 250 regional businesses.

Most respondents said they did not approve of the current law, and called for educational breaks which do not count as ‘out of school’, grouping school ‘training days’ to form an extra week of school holidays, and phasing school holidays so terms are spread across the year.

Robin Barker, who represents both TSW and SWTA, said: “The rule changes made in 2013 have caused widespread damage, not just to the viability of small tourism businesses, but to families and those whose jobs restrict them in when they take a break.

“This new research proves the impact it’s had, at the same time coming up with constructive suggestions for better ways of doing things. I do hope it leads to constructive discussions with Government and all involved.”