I AM aware that taking children out of school for family holidays is quite controversial but if permission is applied for in plenty of time following the school guidelines, surely the holiday should be granted?

I defy anyone to say that coming out of school one or two weeks before the end of school term will have nothing but a positive experience for the child.

Apart from quality family time, travel experiences enriches a child’s education, from learning about different currency, foods, lifestyle and can help improve foreign language skills. Surely it can be seen as part of enriching a child’s broad education.

Any parent knows the last two weeks of term is all about clearing up the classroom, having end-of-term parties and watching videos brought in from home. What value is that to a child’s education?

When my children were in first school, most years we shaved a little off the school calendar. It made all the difference from having a holiday or not, due to the cost.

As they got older and exams were in the curriculum, our holidays adapted and they concentrated on school life.

If the schools could set their own term dates, high season would disappear and what would the travel companies do then?

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