Five years ago Tower Hamlets LA recommended a zero tolerance policy for holidays in term time, which some schools in the borough adopted. The tough approach simplified some of the complexities involved and they found it reduced the numbers taking trips. Harbinger School on the Isle of Dogs has adopted the tough policy. The head, Mandy Boutwood, argues the policy is fair because it prevents arbitrary decisions being taken about which holidays are acceptable and which are not. The film also shows three case studies of parents who have recently taken their children on trips away from Harbinger School during term time. The case studies illustrate the impact of such trips on a pupil's education, and they also highlight three important issues: the educational worth of holidays abroad, the affordability of holidays, and the impact of longer trips abroad.

Video Series: Improving Primary School Attendance
Release Date 2006