Parents who take their children on holiday without permission during the school term could be fined as part of a government campaign to reduce truancy.

Police, school staff and local education officers will be given powers to issue on-the-spot fines to parents who "condone or ignore" their children missing lessons without the agreement of the school's head.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gerald Imison, joint acting general secretary of ATL, said: "ATL welcomes the attention given to ensuring that children are in school when they ought to be but we do have concerns for head teachers being invited to issue fixed penalty tickets.

"Putting the head in this position might undermine the delicate relationship between the school and the parent at the time when it is of crucial importance.

"We are not against the concept of fines to ensure that pupils attend classes but it may run the risk of jeopardising the good relationship that has already been formed between schools and parents."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of PAT, said: "It is important to send a clear message about the importance of education and pupils attending school to those parents who take their children out of school without permission.

"However, head teachers should have discretion to take family circumstances into account. The government should also look at tackling the charging practices of the holiday industry.

"Most holiday companies cynically increase their prices during school holidays, tempting many parents to book holidays during term time when it's cheaper. We would like to see an end to such sharp practice."