The working group's talks with head teachers have unveiled concerns about the effect of a county-wide school closure day in honour of the Royal Norfolk Show.

All schools will close on the Thursday of the rural extravaganza designed to ensure that all the county's youngsters have the opportunity to attend.

But the group has called for a review into the initiative as some head teachers worry that it will encourage a high level of absence the following day.

The report said: 'This year all schools will have a closure day on the Thursday of the Norfolk Show so that pupils will have the opportunity to attend without school attendance figures being affected. However, it is clear that many children will not be able to go to the show and schools are concerned that this approach will encourage a high level of absence on the Friday.'

A further review is urged to ensure appropriate decisions are made regarding school closures in severe weather.

The report added: 'We applaud those schools that stay open during severe weather but are concerned that some schools may decide their best strategy is to close.

'During the bad weather in 2010, many schools were challenged by parents about their reasons for closure and we recommend that children's services should monitor all such closures to ensure that decisions are appropriate.'