The way the costs of foreign holidays escalate outside of school terms is a big incentive for parents to take their children out of classes for a week or two at a time if they are to afford a break in the sun. Schools can give permission for up to 10 days off each year if a child's overall attendance is otherwise good. But parents usually want more than that. One father in Majorca with his son and daughter said he simply had to fill in a form to get the school's permission. Another blank in the school register Their teachers would set extra homework to make sure they caught up, he said, and he would make sure they did the work.
Some parents keep their children out of school indefinitely.
This can result in a court summons and, potentially, a fine of up to 1,000. They see no value in education. You sense you've failed but let's hope it's the start of a new beginning. Just One Chance is broadcast on BBC Two on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. The last programme in the present series is on October 26.