article_snippet: Fewer families are taking holidays during term time in the wake of a government crackdown on absenteeism, new figures suggest.
article_snippet: There has been a slight rise in the number of unauthorised holidays - indicating that some parents may be deciding to take some parents child out of school without permission, and instead run the risk of a fine.
article_snippet: Department for Education figures, for the last academic year, are the first to show the impact of strict new rules on pupil absence introduced by former education secretary Michael Gove.
article_snippet: Under the changes, heads are now only able to grant leave in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and parents can be fined £60 per pupil for taking term time holidays without permission.
article_snippet: The National Association of Head Teachers released guidance stating exceptions could be made for family funerals and religious events, but family holidays were unlikely to meet the criterion.
article_snippet: School Reform Minister Nick Gibb said: ‘Every single lost day counts - which is why as part of our plan for education our have put teachers back in charge so teachers can clamp down on classroom absence.
article_snippet: ‘Fewer school days are being lost than ever before thanks to our reforms - giving children the best possible chance to succeed.