A REVISED code of conduct designed to reduce unauthorised absences from school - such as term-time holidays - has been approved by ruling cabinet members.

The revised policy will be effective from September and has been subject to full consultation with governing bodies, chief executives of academy trusts, head teachers and the chief officer of police.

According to a council report, which was discussed by councillors on Wednesday, the criteria which head teachers are required to consider when assessing the merits of leave is to be scrapped.

Currently, head teachers look at attendance records, exams and assessments and any supporting letters but the proposals show each criteria will be removed.

Under the revised policy, fixed penalty notices will be issued if a pupil has accrued five or more consecutive days of unauthorised leave, while sporadic absences and any excluded pupil present in a public place without justification during school hours could result in formal warnings being issued.

Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman, said: “One of Barnsley Council’s corporate objectives is ensuring every child attends a good school as part of achieving his or her potential.

“We need parents, carers and pupils and schools to be on board with the fact that every school day matters - we know that there is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results.”

About 1,200 parents and carers received fines last year and the council expects a ‘significant increase’ in the number of requests from schools to issue penalties following the changes.

Coun Cheetham added: “Term-time holidays are the biggest cause of unauthorised absence in Barnsley primary schools and in total more than 40,000 primary and secondary school days were lost during 2017/18 due to term-time holidays. This updated code of conduct will give head teachers and families clear guidance on when penalty notices may be issued.”