The point I was trying to make Emma was that if the schools were doing their job properly then the kids themselves would prefer to stay in school rather than go on holiday.

Of course your example of the girl whose attitude 'improved tremendously' show us that parents can also be part of the problem.

BUT, again, if the schools were doing their job properly, then the parents would also see that the children didn't miss a day of of what should be a great and valuable experience.