parents who take their children on holiday during term time have been blamed by an Ofsted inspector for a Vale school failing to meet Government targets.

Eckington First School was rated as "satisfactory" by inspector Lois Furness. But she added that too many parents take their children on holiday during term time.

In a letter to parents, issued by head teacher Mrs Chris Millward and Adrian Ball, chairman elect of the board of governors, they wrote: "Attendance levels are below the Government target levels as a direct result of some pupils regularly arriving late for school, some children leaving early before a weekend or a holiday and some families taking their children out of school for holidays and family events during term time.

"The Inspectors recognised that we have taken steps to dissuade parents from taking their children out of school.

"However, we were unable to be awarded an "outstanding" grade for personal development, achievement and standards and leadership because of this data."

The recent inspection that took place on March 8 showed that the school was performing very well and results, standards and pupil progress were also very good.

Although the bad points were in a minority as the school achieved a Grade 2 mark, the report made clear that they expected the school's attendance levels to improve.

Mrs Millward said: "This (holidays) is a national issue so it is not only our school that is affected, but we have taken steps to combat the problem and it is something we are trying to educate parents about.

"There is only so much you can say to parents on this issue as they tend to want to take their children out of school for breaks during term time as it is much cheaper than for example the summer holidays.

"We are delighted with the report and to gain three Grade 1 marks is a real plus. The reason we did so well is due to everyone at the school working together as a team."

"The school has good reason to be happy with the report," she added.

As well as standards across the school being above average especially in creative writing, the school was also lauded for the support that they give to children with special needs, their outstanding curriculum, French and extra curricular activities.