Term-time Holidays Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Term-time Holidays

William Wragg Excerpts
Thursday 19th May 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Gibb Portrait Mr Gibb
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We are still waiting to receive the written judgment of the High Court, and as soon as we do we will revert to the hon. Gentleman and the House.

William Wragg Portrait William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con)
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It is irrefutable that good school attendance is essential for both progress and achievement. Does my hon. Friend share my concern that the High Court judgment used a 90% attendance threshold, whereas Ofsted criticises and penalises schools with attendance below 95%?

Nick Gibb Portrait Mr Gibb
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My hon. Friend makes a good point. A 10% absence rate equates to one day off a fortnight, and I do not think we should encourage that type of attendance record in our schools.