I AM writing in reference to the article (BEN, December 30): End term time holidays.

Being an employee in the education system, I am aware of the increase in holidays taken during term time. This short time out of school can disrupt a child's education and important work can be missed and never caught up.

I am unable to comment on other local authorities, but regarding Bolton, there has been an overwhelming increase in term time holidays taken since the abolition of Bolton Holiday fortnight and September holiday week.

Many other places of work still shut down for some or all of these weeks. This is, therefore, a logical time for parents to take their family holiday. The article also suggested that the cheaper cost of holidays during term time tempts parents to take their children out of school.

When Bolton Authority recognised the Bolton holiday fortnight and the September week, holidays were cheaper so there was less need to keep children off school.

The fact is the people who changed the school holiday format can take their holidays any time during the year - the children are taken out of school by other adults taking advantage of the cheaper holidays. The only people who really missed out with the holiday alterations are the school staff who don't have the option of cheaper holiday periods.

Perhaps, rather than clamp down on holiday time taken off school, Bolton Authority should consider reverting to the old holiday pattern which would reduce the time children are removed from classes. It would also give the hard working school staff the opportunity to take cheaper and quieter holidays in line with other vocations.

Name and address supplied

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