Dear Editor,

I write in answer to the letter from Alan Ramsey Radcliffe, Ross Gazette of November 18th, regarding absence from school.

He is comparing the mother taking her daughter back-packing across Europe to a trip for city children in Wales to stay on a farm for a week.

Firstly I am against this ridiculous system of parents being fined for taking their children on holiday during term-time. Is there not another way, because, although fines may be necessary, the holiday has still been taken.

I know, from experience, that it is very hard when the parent has a job working at school holiday time but is it good to take children away by flouting authority?

What sort of a message does that send?

There could be extenuating circumstances but they should be talked through with the Headteacher or other staff.

Secondly surely the trip to the Welsh farm was arranged with the relevant authority and it seems to me like an excellent idea.

Finally I think we all have to realise how difficult teaching is these days - but surely any more stress between parents and staff makes it worse. Let’s stop doing what we want, and do what we have to, to be educated.

Mrs June Partridge,

Peterstow