Readers have responded to a recent article by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, in which she argued that Labour should abolish fines for parents taking their children on holiday during term time. The responses overwhelmingly support her suggestion, adding personal experiences and arguments against the current policy.
Missed Learning Argument Questioned
Nick Johnson from Dorset supports Cosslett's suggestion and adds that the justification for fines – that children miss valuable learning – is not accurate. He notes that teachers often turn to movies, games, and other distractions in the last weeks of term, with little curriculum learning happening before the main school holidays. He says the argument that taking a child out of school a week before the end of term means they miss valuable learning is "frankly, laughable."
Unfair and Unkind Policy
Another reader, who chose to remain anonymous, describes the policy as "draconian," "appallingly unfair," and "unkind and small-minded." They point out that children with family overseas may never be able to see them if they are only permitted to go during school holidays, when fares are most expensive. The reader shares their experience of taking their daughter out of primary school every year to see family in Scotland or attend friends' weddings. Despite a headteacher's warning that "if they miss a week of maths at seven, they never catch up," the daughter achieved 12 GCSEs with A*s, top marks in the international baccalaureate, and a first at university. The reader says this experience gave her intellectual curiosity and a healthy questioning of rules.
Educational Value of Family Time
Barbara France, a retired headteacher from Arnside, Cumbria, also agrees with Cosslett. She says many parents simply cannot afford to take a holiday when schools are closed, yet time away as a family is precious and can be educationally valuable and enriching. She concludes, "Never let schooling get in the way of your child's education."
