DOZENS of low-income families in North Somerset cannot afford to go on holiday because their children are being refused time off school. Many headteachers in and around Weston are enforcing tough rules on holiday time, after national guidelines were sent

DOZENS of low-income families in North Somerset cannot afford to go on holiday because their children are being refused time off school.Many headteachers in and around Weston are enforcing tough rules on holiday time, after national guidelines were sent to them which discourage them from allowing children time off during term-time.One Congresbury family, who did not want to be named, said they have not been able to go away for even a few days in a caravan this year, because they cannot afford to go away in the school holidays.North Somerset councillor Tom Leimdorfer, who represents Congresbury, has called for more discretion from headteachers.He said: "More parents want to take their children out during term-time partly because tour operators have been putting up prices in holidays. Quite rightly the local authority is trying to discourage parents from this but I think there should be some discretion as some low-income families cannot possibly afford to go on holiday."Some heads have interpreted guidelines by believing they cannot allow any time away for anyone but I feel this is a bit harsh."North Somerset Council's director of children and young people's services said: "Some families' only opportunity to travel is during term-time and we have given guidance to headteachers to allow discretion.