Poor kids get more out of packing up the child rollalong suitcases and going on holiday during term-time than they would from staying in school.

This is according to charity the Family Holiday Association, which argued that as long as common sense is applied, youngsters should be able to enjoy a break outside of the school holidays.

Director John McDonald claimed around one in three British families cannot afford to take a holiday - and that these people deserve help.

As holidays tend to be cheaper during term-time, special arrangements should be made to allow disadvantaged children to take a break, he said.

"Many children can be given authorised absence from school for a week and many headteachers understand the benefits that that can bring for the child, the family and the school in general," Mr McDonald remarked.

He was reacting to recent research by Tesco Bank, which found 44 per cent of parents take advantage of cheaper term-time holiday deals.

Some 22 per cent believe this does not have a negative impact on their offspring's education.

However, Department for Children, Schools and Families research published last month found that 19 per cent of the 5.9 million school days used for holidays in 2008-09 were unauthorised by teachers.

Posted by Samantha KellyADNFCR-3005-ID-19712382-ADNFCR