Decision over holidays in term time poses a problem for our schools

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Life's a beach: should parents be able to take their children out of school to enjoy a holiday during term time? (iStock)

As one might expect, the issue of taking children out of school during term time for unauthorised absence has dominated our national news today, as one parent managed to persuade the courts to overturn the decision to impose fines levied by his daughter’s school. I believe this was the right decision but it does pose a problem for schools.

As the former chair of Somerset Schools Forum, and now chair of the Corporate Parent Board, which oversees the welfare of all children looked after in the county, I am well aware of the adverse impact that poor attendance can have on shaping a child’s future.

What is worrying about this case is that Jon Platt is clearly articulate and had done his homework, making his decision to take his daughter out of school for a family holiday during term time in full knowledge of the consequences. I fear that this may open the doors for less responsible parents to do the same.

On the other hand, regular attendance is important but what we must not forget is that merely attending school is not the same thing as the child in question learning something of value. In my role as a councillor, I know only too well of many councillors who regularly attend meetings but who gain nothing, and contribute even less, by their attendance. It is not unheard of for colleagues, in full view of the public, to be reading a newspaper, tweeting their mates or completing crosswords.

We must remember that there are many ways to learn, and many places in which to do so. While classroom attendance is important, it is not nearly as valuable as achievement.

We must not forget either that there remains a real issue for working parents trying to juggle their leave entitlement to fit in around school terms, along with the price hikes inflicted on them by travel companies. There are no easy answers but the decisions taken by those in authority do need to be challenged, if for no other reason than to open up the debate.

What appears not to have been addressed is how the fines imposed were to be used; to boost the schools diminishing budget perhaps?

Linda Piggott-Vijeh
Combe St. Nicholas

Private schools are not the problem

Private schools are not self-serving 'clubs' as described in Ben Chu’s lively invective.

Most independent schools are charities which receive certain tax breaks. This is a benefit which is gratefully received. However, some charitable independent schools would be perfectly willing to relinquish the label of 'charity', because of the way commentators seek to simplify a complex picture.

Through charitable status, schools have a duty to work for the public benefit. Without it, there would be fewer bursaries. Bursary support is at an all-time high of £850m. A third of all students get fee assistance and 5,000 pupils pay no fees at all. Are these pupils the kittens of Chu’s “fat cats”?

Do we really want to see the disappearance of an excellent education for those who couldn't normally afford it?

Chu's world is one of division. He cites high-ranking politicians in the assumption that their successful schools must have done wrong in some way. He looks at the impressive facilities of private schools in a way which suggests these don't also exist in many state schools. He points to static numbers of scholarships without noticing that the money is now better targeted at means-tested support. He focuses on fee increases without considering the financial pressures schools face.

Independent schools are often expected to feel guilty about their success. Success should celebrated and shared, not vilified.

Globally, the UK's independent schools are held in the highest regard. Parents from all over the world choose to send their children to British schools. What is it that those from outside the UK can see that some here cannot?

And let's not forget what schools give back to the whole of the UK – roughly £9.5bn at last count, generating £3.6bn in tax revenues and saving the taxpayer £3bn.

Independent schools aren't going anywhere. Those who wish to engage rather than snipe will find tens of thousands of dedicated teachers working in our schools who strive for exactly the same thing as their state sector counterparts – a quality education and opportunity for all children in the UK.

Julie Robinson
General Secretary, Independent Schools Council

Politicians should not meddle in BBC business

Mary Dejevsky is being totally naïve when she asserts that government appointments to its Board will not affect the independence of the BBC (Independent, 13 May 2016). Politicians can never resist meddling in things which do not concern them. I for one do not want to pay a licence fee to a state broadcaster. John Whittingdale's cunning plan should be fought tooth and nail by all who value the independence of one of our our greatest assets.

Glynne Williams
Walthamstow

With regard to the BBC, as far as I am concerned there is too much sport and far too much spent on it. I do not watch cricket, football, snooker or tennis, to say nothing of innumerable other sports – cockroach racing for all I know. I consider this a complete waste of my share of the licence.

PJ Manasseh
London, SW7

Cameron must apologise to Suliman Gani

David Cameron has not apologised to Suliman Gani as an article in Thursday's Independent implied. What actually happened is a Downing Street spokesperson issues a woolly press release which all but denies the Prime Minister had any need to apologise as he was only referring to reports that Gani supports an Islamic state.

We all know this is untrue, as Cameron was quite specific when he told parliament that Sadiq Khan had shown poor judgement by sharing a platform with Gani nine times. The Prime Minister, speaking in the House of Commons, said Gani supported Isis and held questionable views about women and gay people. His intent was clear, to smear both Khan and Gani as jihadi-supporting Muslims.

Rather than hiding behind a sleight of hand statement to dig himself out of a hole of his own making, the Prime Minister needs to stand up in parliament and apologise to both Gani and Khan for besmirching their reputations in a most despicable way, and to the British people for trying to influence the London mayoral contest by spreading untruths.

Mick Hall
Essex

No Brexit, no welfare state

Neither a welfare state nor, for that matter, a living wage is compatible in the long run with open borders. Staying in the EU with its free movement of labour accord has consequences.

Yugo Kovach
Winterborne Houghton

Mea culpa? Perhaps...

I am pleased that you have chosen to keep the ‘Errors and Omissions’ column going now that you have become an online only publication. I always enjoyed it in the print edition and I am sure it still has plenty of good work to do. However I would query your return to the original title, ‘Mea culpa’. John Rentoul does not blame himself for the errors and infelicities of style he exposes but the writers who have committed them. You might argue that he is speaking on behalf of the institution that published the faults but then, perhaps, ‘nostra culpa’ would be more appropriate?

Jonathan Wallace
Newcastle-upon-Tyne