Principal who allows parents to take kids on ‘term-time’ holidays leaves people divided

A PRINCIPAL’S unconventional initiative that allows parents to take kids on term-time holidays has been slammed, with many saying it is “unfair” to teachers.

A PRINCIPAL who allows parents to take kids on term-time holidays has divided opinion after appearing on TV to explain the policy.

Simon Cox was hailed by some viewers of British TV show This Morning who described the initiative as “brilliant” while others questioned its merit, saying it was “unfair” to teachers.

He made waves last week after revealing his plans for an “enrichment” week off at the end of the school year.

Pupils at a UK school in Essex, aged between 11 and 14 would have to show whatever they plan to do during the time would be vaguely educational and complete an educational booklet after their break.

Head teacher Simon Cox says yes to holidays during term-time. Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock/Splash News

Speaking on This Morning, he said: “We’ve decided to create a week at the end of the school year where parents can take children away on an enrichment activity and holiday.

“It has to be spiritual, moral, social, cultural. Parents need to list the activities they do when away.

“When you come back for the second week, [the children are] going to present to your peers what you’ve done, what you’ve learned.”

Mr Cox said he was inspired to come up with the policy as 40 per cent of his students are on pupil premiums which sees them “miss out on opportunities” and to combat term-time holidays.

It prompted a positive reaction from many.

This guy is a trailblazer... excellent idea. Wish he was my kids headteacher #Thismorning. I believe a holiday is important for kids and always take mine out for a week and they are all still doing exceptionally well.

— Jayne B (@glitchinthehead) July 2, 2018

This head teacher makes sense. Well done Simon! I always took my daughter out of school for a weeks holiday and she left school with A levels. A week away every year didn’t affect her education 🙄 #ThisMorning

— Donna (@mostfabdon) July 2, 2018

But others were more critical.

One commented: “My daughter is a teacher how would these parents feel if teachers took term time off.

“I am sick of these parents putting their kids education second to holiday.”

Another added: “What about teachers who also have to pay through the nose to go away during school holidays? Can we take time off during term time?!”

Another wrote: “It’s selfish and unfair because not all families are doing it.”

Simon previously told the BBC subjects he hoped students would cover on their own during enrichment week included English, maths, history, geography and languages.

He said: “If, for example, a family went to Greece, we’d need to see that they have mastered some basic communication.

“For geography we’d need to see key information around GDP and population; for history, the type of place and how the past has impacted.

“English would be about literature, and maths will centre around currency.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished here with permission.