Schools are in a "no win" situation. The government discourages parents from taking time off in term time , yet they will not make it official (vote losing). They still say there is some discretion here - but the headteacher has to make the decision. Disallow a request and there are a number of scenarios:
1) The parent "sees reason" and rearranges the planned holiday (Never seen this happen yet).
2) The parent takes the child out anyway and this means the absence is officially noted as unauthorised. The school is slated by OFSTED for an unsatisfactory attendance rate. Pressure to "punish"(fine) parents is put on the headteacher. This is hardly a way to foster good home / school relationships!

If the headteacher allows the request they are slated by OFSTED for allowing poor attendance , because guidelines for schools tell us to discourage (i.e. disallow) holidays in term times.


Answers on a postcard please........