A Hockley travel agent has devised a compromise deal to head off a proposed government ban on term-time holidays.

Bright idea - joint managers Faye Worsdell and Clare Dunn came up with the plan Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Education minister Ivan Lewis wants to stop parents taking their children out of the classroom to go on holiday and proposes to enlist the travel industry in the campaign.

If voluntary persuasion fails, the Government has indicated it will use its right to fine parents under the forthcoming Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Faye Worsdell, manager of Global Travel in Spa Road, Hockley, believes she has the answer with her scheme to turn truancy in the sun to everyone's advantage.

Faye said: "Schools should have a system in place to provide children with some homework to take on holiday with them. They could ask the children to do a project based on the place where they're going on holiday.

"Travel offers all sorts of educational opportunities for children in things like history, geography, even science.

"I'm not saying that schools should encourage term-time holidays, but at least that way their holiday might do the children almost as much good as a week in the classroom."

Faye's scheme is being passed to the policy department of the Association of British Travel Agents, which is in discussion with the Government about the possible ban.

However, Faye does not believe travel agents should have a responsibility to dissuade parents from term-time holidays, let alone refuse a sale.

She said: "Ultimately it is the parent's decision, and I can see where a lot of mums and dads are coming from when they book holidays during May and June in particular."

Published Tuesday January 6, 2004

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