A headteacher has explained why he is backing some families who kept their children off school during a national protest by parents.

A campaign developed largely via social media – ‘Let Our Kids Be Kids’ – called on parents to keep children off school yesterday in a show of strength against primary testing in England.

Supporters fear children are suffering from over-testing.

More than 40,000 parents have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the tests, which are due to be taken this month.

Graham Frost, headteacher of Robert Ferguson Primary School in Denton Holme, Carlisle, confirmed he would be authorising some absences – but insists decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Mr Frost, who is also branch secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers in Cumbria, said: “In any absence I have to apply principles as to whether the reason for the absence is exceptional or justifiable circumstances.

“Where the few have chosen to express the strength of feeling through participating in this and have taken the time and trouble to write me a very clear and well-worded letter explaining why they are doing what they are doing, what they intend to do in the school day and a commitment that the child is receiving help with anything they’ve missed as far as I’m concerned as a headteacher they’ve acted responsibly and I will be coming to say it is an authorised absence.

“To my knowledge I’ve got two very well-worded letters explaining the reason why as parents they’ve taken the decision to take part. In both cases I’m authorising on the basis that the letter that has provided exceptional circumstances in their cases.”

Mr Frost must consider a range of factors before deciding whether any term-time absence can be authorised.

“Other factors are also taken into consideration such as are they good attenders, are they well supported in their learning and that the child is not going to adversely affected by what their parents are proposing to do,” he said.

Parents can be fined for taking children out of school during term time. Headteachers can only give permission for such an absence in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Mr Frost also said yesterday’s action by parents was “unprecedented”.