ABTA backs campaign against term time holidays

ABTA has voiced its support for a government campaign to encourage parents not to take children out of school for family holidays. ABTA has written to agents reminding them that parents need to consult the school before booking holidays during term time. According to ABTA, headteachers can grant up to ten days of school days for the purpose of family holidays during term time, granted at the discretion of the teacher. Education minister, Ivan Lewis said family holidays shouldn?t interfere with children?s education. He also said parents could face fines of up to ?100 for taking children out of school without permission under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, bring introduced early this year. ABTA chief executive, Ian Reyonlds says agents and operators were encouraging families to book during busy school holidays by offering discounts like free child places to those who book early.