Letter: Out of school
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.YOU REPORT that the National Association of Head Teachers is calling for legislation to outlaw parents from taking cheap term-time holidays ("Headteachers attack parents over truancy", 25 March).
Unfortunately, for many lone-parent families, and others on low incomes, this will mean outlawing holidays altogether. According to recent research ("Small Fortunes: Spending on Children in Lone Parent Families", Middleton and Ashworth) lone parents manage to maintain spending on many essential household budget items by spending 40 per cent less on holidays on average than two-parent families. Special arrangements made with travel and holiday firms tend to specify that the holidays should be taken at non-peak times - outside usual school holidays.
Holidays are a vital part of a child's life. They contribute to their wellbeing and enable them to experience some variety in their surroundings and activities. They can hardly be put into the same category as truancy or a lax attitude to education.
MARGARET CREEAR
Policy Officer
Gingerbread
London EC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments