FIFTY schoolchildren and their parents were quizzed by police at Manchester Airport in a crackdown on term-time holidays.

Now education chiefs at Manchester City Council are considering proposals for a five-term school year to stop parents jetting off in school time with their children on cut-price foreign deals.

Coun Bernard Stone, executive member for education, said family holidays should only be taken when children are off school.

''I can understand why parents decide to take holidays outside school time to save money, but one day missed from school is too many.

''We have been trying to see if a five-term school year would stop term-time holidays, because families would not then be forced to go away at the same time over the summer break.''

Proposals to increase the number of academic terms from three to five would mean shorter but more frequent holidays spread across the year - putting a stop to the six-week summer holiday rush when holiday prices rocket.

Parents targeted in the weekend truancy sweep, the first of its kind in a British airport, were warned to seek permission from headteachers before taking children away from their studies.

The scheme was organised by education chiefs in Manchester and Trafford, with the support of Greater Manchester Police, after complaints from schools.

Education officials were concerned that many pupils were jetting off on family holidays without informing teachers first.

Truants were also found skipping lessons to spend the day plane-spotting or playing on the airport's amusement arcades.

As part of the crackdown these youngsters, as well as those found shopping or waving goodbye to relatives, were taken home by police officers.

Coun Stone said: ''It is important for their own welfare that children go to school.

''When they are off school they could become involved in crime either as victims or perpetrators. The main thing is that children don't miss out on their education.''

The council will be evaluating the response from the first sweep before deciding how often to carry them out.