Holidays During Term-Time Aren’t Disruptive Say UK Adults
(PRWEB UK) 8 July 2014 -- 63% of the British public think taking a week’s holiday during term-time does not have a disruptive effect on a child’s studies. The survey of 1,200 UK adults by online travel agent Globehunters showed that nearly two-thirds think a week’s family holiday does not disrupt a child’s education, with just 20% convinced it would.
The research follows significant changes to regulations in September 2013 which meant that head teachers could no longer grant up to ten days leave for family holidays in ‘special circumstances’. Since then, much to the frustration of many parents, any absence during term-time has only been permitted in ‘exceptional circumstances’ with the threat of a large fine for those that ignore this.
Opinions were more clear-cut amongst parents with children under seventeen, with 69% unconvinced that a week’s term time holidays would have a disruptive effect on a child’s education. 59% of this group said they would consider taking their children out of school for a holiday during term-time.
39% said they might book a term-time holiday depending on the time of year, with 20% going as far as to say that family holidays were more important than education. This attitude mirrors a BBC article from March 2014, which reported a significant increase in parents being fined for taking kids out of school for family holidays.
The Globehunters survey showed that of those that were not prepared to take their children out of school for a holiday, men and women had different motivations. Men cited their children’s education as the chief reason for keeping kids in school while women were more worried about receiving a fine.
Opinions on whether taking kids out of school for a week was disruptive differed between younger and older generations. 16% of 18-29 year olds thought it would be disruptive, which gradually rose to 26% amongst the over 60s.
With the UK’s airports preparing for the upcoming summer rush, just over half of respondents were in favour of staggering school holidays, with 23% undecided. Just 22% were against following Germany’s example and spreading the summer demand over a longer period.
ENDS
About this survey
Globehunters conducted a survey of 1,200 UK adults in June 2014.
About Globehunters
Globehunters is a UK-based online travel company that provides flights, accommodation and holiday packages around the world, and is notable for being one of the fastest-growing online travel companies in the UK.
The company offers some of the most competitively priced flight and holiday deals on the market and has an established relationship with travel partners including: airlines, luxury hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, local tour companies and car hire companies throughout the world.
Globehunters is ATOL protected, and a member of IATA and ABTA, providing comprehensive airline failure insurance to all its customers.
Adam Evans, A1 Travel Deals PR, +44 2089444583, [email protected]
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