A DROITWICH headteacher has slammed plans to fine parents who take their children out of school for family holidays.

As part of a tough new stance on truancy, schools will have the right to slap a £100 fine on anyone who breaks this rule.

But Droitwich High School head Alan Foulds is sceptical about the scheme.

"I'm not convinced it is the right way forward," he said.

"We recognise that there is a relationship between effective attendance and a high standard of achievement.

"However, there is evidence that attendance is already high here and this is down to an effective relationship between parents and staff.

"We fear this initiative would destroy that relationship. That is not to say that we are soft here though."

The fines were introduced primarily for parents who repeatedly let their children miss school - and to avert the possibility of prosecution or even a prison sentence.