Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
30 March 2015 08:46
Poorer families risk missing out on holidays together, experts suggest
Thousands of children will miss out on family holidays due to strict new rules on taking pupils out of school in term time, it has been suggested.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) claims family getaways are fast becoming the preserve of the middle classes, as poorer parents cannot afford the cost of travelling during school holidays.
Under the new rules, introduced by former education secretary Michael Gove in September 2013, mums and dads can be fined £60 per pupil for taking term time holidays without the permission of headteachers.
'Valuable experiences'
But the NUT believes all parents should be able to take their youngsters out of the classroom without running the risk of being fined, to enjoy a family holiday away from the stresses of daily life.
It says that holidays can provide valuable experiences and outdoor learning opportunities for children, plus social and emotional benefits which can be of lasting value and support as they grow up.
Family travel insurance protects against delays, cancellations, loss of luggage and medical bills, so people can enjoy themselves in the sun safe in the knowledge that they are covered if something happens to go wrong.
Resolution debate
Heads are now only able to grant leave to pupils in exceptional circumstances.
But a resolution due to be debated by delegates at the NUT's annual conference in Liverpool this Easter could change all that.
It argues that despite recent advice from heads clarifying their interpretation of the rules, the regulations still unfairly impact on working parents, especially the low paid, meaning poorer children risk missing out.
The NUT wants to see the Government put much more pressure on travel companies to change pricing structures that can see fares go up during school holidays, in a bid to make holidays more affordable for the masses.
But the resolution adds that it is not just a problem of high costs impacting on working parents. It points out that some mums and dads are unable to take leave during school breaks due to shift or rota work.
25 May 2018
Two popular sunscreens become significantly less effective once the wearer has been in sea water, a watchdog has warned.
[more...]
24 May 2018
A recent report by Cancer Research UK claims young people who are exposed to just one extra junk food TV advert per week consume up to 18,000 extra calories every year.
Eating one egg a day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, according to a new study.
22 May 2018
Theresa May is to give a speech explaining how artificial intelligence will be used to help prevent 22,000 cancer deaths a year by 2033.
19 May 2018
A recent study in Taiwan has revealed that heart attacks occur more frequently in cold weather - with the figure increasing "dramatically" when the temperature drops below 15C (59F).
18 May 2018
A team of scientists have managed to successfully conduct a "memory transplant" between snails by transferring RNA, a form of genetic information, from one snail to another.
17 May 2018
A new study has found that certain types of exercise do not prevent the onset or worsening of dementia and may even contribute to further cognitive impairment.
16 May 2018
The average British child has visited four European cities and been on three long-haul holidays as well as skiing twice - all before their 10th birthday.
15 May 2018
Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a new "landmark" route from Manchester Airport to the north African city of Ethiopia.
12 May 2018
Health experts have expressed concern at recent outbreaks of measles across England.
Cinema drinks contain "unacceptable" levels of bacteria
10 May 2018
The HPV vaccine offered to teenage girls has proved to be safe and effective in preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer, an independent review has revealed.