I’m thinking of requesting a days absence for my child from school to visit the Great Yorkshire Show. What should I do?

Following updated guidance from the Department of Education, some head teachers are taking a tougher line on authorising children’s absences, with some refusing all requests. Disappointingly, for some this includes attending the Great Yorkshire Show.

As an agricultural charity which runs educational activities year round for young people, we strongly believe that a day at the Great Yorkshire Show is not only educational, but unique. It is England’s premier agricultural show and provides an unrivalled opportunity for young people to see first-hand the best of British farming and the countryside – whether it is the story of wool, the role of supermarkets in the supply chain or simply seeing the thousands of animals, from tiny chicks through to prize winning bulls. The “Discovery Zone” is specifically aimed at children covering healthy living, the environment and the countryside. Furthermore, the show is very much a part of the region’s fabric and tradition and gives a strong sense of place.

More than 5,000 children continue visit the show in organized school groups, endorsing our view that is educational and worthwhile – it is not to be put in the same category as a week’s holiday in the sun.

We sincerely hope that head teachers will bear this in mind when the request forms arrive on their desks.