A local AM has called for Powys County Council to clarify its position on the authorisation of absence during term time for family holidays.
This follows reports that fines will be introduced for children who repeatedly miss school from January 2015.
The Welsh Government has issued guidance to local authorities which sets out details of 10 days authorised absence for family holidays.
Under the Welsh Government guidance, schools will consider a range of criteria including the time of year of the proposed trip, the length and purpose of the holiday, the impact on continuity of learning and the wishes of parents as well as the overall attendance pattern of the child.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire said:
“I agree with the Welsh Government that it should be up to local authorities and individual schools to use their discretion in authorising family holidays during term time.
“Putting the power in the hands of teachers who know the learning needs of their pupils is the right way forward.
“However, I understand that a Fixed Penalty Notice for irregular attendance is also currently being finalised and will be implemented from January 2015.
“It is important that Powys County Council clearly sets out its position on this matter as most parents would be mortified to think that they run the risk of being hit with a fixed penalty notice for following Welsh Government advice. All parents need to be provided with definitive guidance on the way in which their specific school is dealing with this issue.”