Policy change on holidays postponed

The Department of Education has postponed the introduction of a new policy which would prevent children having holidays during term-time.

Earlier this week parents were told such breaks would only be allowed in 'exceptional circumstances' from now on, and unauthorised absences could ultimately lead to court action.

It was claimed pupils could fall behind in class, even if they missed only a week or two of schooling.

But, speaking live on Talking Heads this lunchtime, Minister Anne Craine (pictured) admitted parents should have been given more warning (audio file attached):

The new policy will come in from the start of 2009/2010 academic year and parents will be able to appeal to the department to take term-time holidays in exceptional circumstances.