A Spa head teacher has raised doubts over a new policy which gives heads the power to issue on-the-spot fines to parents who take their children out of school for family holidays.

As part of a tough new stance on truancy, junior minister Ivan Lewis has announced plans to give heads the power to issue £100 fines if parents take their children out of school without permission.

Schools can give permission for children to be absent for up to 10 days but term-time holidays should only be granted in an "exceptional" situation, according to Mr Lewis.

But Droitwich Spa High School head Alan Foulds is sceptical.

"I'm not convinced it's the right way forward. 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 this relationship. That is not to say that we are soft here."

But Mr Lewis is adamant that something is done to deter parents from taking their children on holidays in term time.

The fines are primarily intended for parents who repeatedly let their children miss school - and to avert the possibility of prosecution or even a prison sentence. However, education bosses warn that first time offenders could face a fine too if they take their child out of school without permission.

"Taking a holiday during term time can mean that children miss important school time and coursework and it will be difficult for them to catch up later on," said Mr Lewis.

"Taking a child out of school for a holiday without the head's permission is unacceptable and will be treated as truancy," he warned. The policy launched by the DfES in partnership with The Association of British Travel Agents has already faced criticism, with some parents believing it is another opportunity for companies to hike up prices in the school holidays

But Mr Foulds was dubious as to how much attention parents would pay to a fine and whether they would decide on balance it was cheaper to pay the fine and still go on holiday. He believes this would detract from the whole issue.

He added: "I have fears as to how we would administer the fine and how we would deal with non-payment. We need parents' support and want to keep the channels of communication open between us."