I am in support of Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s suggestion that we should abolish fines for holidays in school term time (I’m all for the nanny state – but we should abolish fines for holidays in term time, 2 August). She makes all the correct and logical arguments, to which I would add one more. One of the justifications for the fines is that children miss out on valuable learning, but this is simply not the case as teachers turn to movies, games and other distractions in those last weeks of term.
There is very little curriculum learning happening in those periods before the main school holidays. And from what my children describe to me, over the years this “downing of tools” seems to be happening earlier each year. The argument that taking a child out of school a week before the end of term means they miss valuable learning is, frankly, laughable.
Nick Johnson
Dorset
• It was good to read Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett writing about the draconian policy of fining parents for taking their children out of school to go on holiday. It is indeed appallingly unfair. And unkind and small-minded – children with family overseas may never be able to see them if they are only permitted to go in the school holidays, when fares are most expensive.
The reason invariably given – without evidence – is that it affects children’s education. Before the current regime, we took our daughter out of primary school every year – to see family in Scotland, or to go to friends’ weddings. It seems to have done her no harm. Twelve GCSEs with A*s, top marks in the international baccalaureate, a first at university. All despite a grim warning from the head: “If they miss a week of maths at seven, they never catch up.”
Most importantly, it seems to have given her intellectual curiosity. And a healthy questioning of rules.
Name and address supplied
• As a retired headteacher, I’m in total agreement with Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett. Many parents simply cannot afford to take a holiday when schools are closed, yet time away as a family is precious and above all can be educationally valuable and enriching. Never let schooling get in the way of your child’s education.
Barbara France
Arnside, Cumbria
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