Conservative councillors on the Isle of Wight are calling for a consultation with Island headteachers and parents to review school term times locally.
The consultation is being seen as a potential solution to the recent problems created when local businessman Jon Platt took his children out of school in term time, leading to the Isle of Wight Council’s Independent Administration taking the matter to the High Court and losing the case at considerable expense to Council tax payers.
Conservative Group Leader Councillor Dave Stewart has today said:
“This ill-advised court action has ignited the debate on school attendance and we need to find a solution.
“Being an Island relying on the tourist industry means many parents must work during the peak holiday season and indeed many of our services such as the police and NHS need to be available for the same reason. So there is a debate to be had about reviewing our school terms on the Island so everyone can benefit from the option of holidays outside the peak periods.
“We need to consult with headteachers and with parents to find the best way forward.”
A cross party group at the Isle of Wight Council intend to bring this idea forward as part of a motion to the next Full Council on 15th June.
