Sponsored by
School's strict ruling on term-time holidays
PARENTS of students at Bridlington School could face on- the-spot fines and even court for taking their children out of school in term time.
In keeping with the majority of schools in East Yorkshire, the governors of Bridlington School Sports College have agreed that from September it will follow East Riding of Yorkshire Council's policy on term-time holidays to reduce the number of school days missed.
Headteacher Sarah Pashley, said: "Attendance at school is exceptionally important. There is a clear link between attendance and achievement.
Quite simply, students who attend school regularly achieve better results. Even a few days' absence can have a negative impact on progress.
"In 2007, 91% of students with less than 6 days' absence achieved at least 5 GCSEs. Of those students who had more than 12 days' absence, only 36% achieved 5 GCSEs.
"At Bridlington School we want all our students to achieve their potential which means they all need to have excellent attendance."
As from September, holidays in term time will only be authorised in the following circumstances:
When parents/carers take their holiday in term time owing to their contractual arrangements.
Where there have been medical or emotional issues involving a child or parent/carer and a health professional has recommended that the family need rehabilitation time;
Where emnigration is being considered;
Where the family needs to leave the area to attend the ceremony of a relative.
If parents or carers take their child for 10 unauthorised sessions (a morning or an afternoon is one session; one day, two sessions) each parent or carer within the household will get a 50 penalty notice for each child taken out of school.
If it is not paid they will be summoned to court to explain why their child has unauthorised school absences and face a possible fine of up to 1,000.
"These measures may have a negative impact on our unauthorised absence figures, however we think it will be worth it.
"At the end of the day we have the best interests of the students in mind and will do everything in our power to ensure they achieve the success they deserve," said Mrs Pashley.
However, overall attendance has improved. Last week the school rewarded 18 of its students with certificates for achieving 100% attendance during the year.
"We are working very hard to improve attendance and we have made progress this year in terms of both improving overall attendance and reducing the number of persistent absentees.
''We are delighted that so many of our students have achieved 100% attendance," said Mrs Pashley.
Governors at Headlands, Bridlington's other secondary school, have not adopted the council policy.
Headteacher Scott Ratheram said: "Attendance at Headlands is now at its highest level for over 10 years and persistent absence has halved in just 12 months.
"We have worked closely with students and parents to achieve this and the Governors are keen for us to continue working in partnership to reinforce the importance of not taking holidays during term time and of maintaining high attendance overall."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
