YOU had YOUR say: School fines 'cheaper than summer holiday'

The vast majority of you strongly agreed that holidays are beneficial to children and that it is up to parents to decide if their children miss school or not. Even those who disagreed and said that children should not be allowed time off, were able to see the other side of the argument.

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Andrew Russell suggested ways in which holidays could contribute to a child's learning: "It should be a maximum of five days off with no penalty. The schools should also provide a work book for the child to write something about each day on holiday: the weather, the food, the beach, etc. They could take photos and give a five minute presentation at school to talk about what they have experienced when they return.

"It should be embraced and not made out to be a bad thing.

"People have their own jobs and holiday allocation to contend with. And yes, I know teachers are at a disadvantage but that has always been the case. Maybe teachers' rules could be relaxed so that they can take a holiday in term time. It may improve teachers morale?"

Phillipa Evans agreed that holidays are beneficial, but was more incensed by schools' refusal to allow children time off: "Everyone needs a stress free break that's affordable. The powers that be don't think twice about having EVERY teacher training day within school term, costing parents extra stress and child care fees. That in itself undermines the Government's argument."

Esio Trot focused more on the financial implications to parents of holidays in term time: "If I couldn't afford to go away during school holidays I would probably phone the school and lie about my child being unwell. This may not be morally correct but neither is punishing families on low incomes."

Becky Sheppard believes that there are double-standards in the debate: "If missing school is so detrimental to our children's education, then why is it deemed acceptable to close them for voting?! My son will miss a day in May and another in June when we vote on Europe. As long as the child has a very good regular attendance record, then five days annually really wouldn't harm them in my opinion."

Natalie Hill agreed: "This subject is so hypocritical. Kids go on holiday with the school during term time, while teachers' strikes, teachers' training days, and voting days erode term times, and these aren't seen as an issue, yet parents whose jobs and income prevent holidays during the designated school holidays are penalised for spending quality time together!"

Anastasia Pitt spoke from experience with this comment: "Children shouldn't be allowed time off if important things are going on, but family time is just as important. It's cheaper to just get fined. We saved £1,500 last year going away during term time."

Marie Leavesley also argued about double-standards: "All those who complain about children being taken out of school during term time seem to forget that this policy is a new thing. Didn't they ever go on holiday themselves as children during term time? Hypocrites!

"Let's not forget about the five annual inset days, strike days that cost us working families precious holidays or extra childcare costs, sometimes at a moment's notice. Inset days should be taking during the 13 weeks of school holidays.

"Holiday in August £3,500.

"Holiday in September £2,200.

"£1,300 difference. Cheaper to pay the fine.

"Quality time with my children enjoying a break away from work and the rainy UK is worth every penny spent and I refuse to be ripped off at the same time."

Anne Sadler disagreed with the majority of you: "The teachers have to pay high holiday prices, why should kids be allowed time out of school without a heavy fine to parents?"

Judy Barnett was able to see both sides of the argument: "I took my children out of primary school in late July before the fines were introduced, but I wouldn't now as school terms are important as they get older and have exams, etc. The holiday companies should just lower their prices."

While Katherine Roberts tried to find solutions to the issue: "There are ways around this. Why not have different term times? Each school could pick a fortnight during term time to close and take that holiday off the six weeks in the summer? That way not all schools will be off at the same time and staff get to enjoy the reduced holidays also.

"Or if your child's attendance is 100 per cent and they are up to date with school work with no approaching exams or important coursework, why not let them have five days off? Set them homework to do before they get back around their holiday. Maybe a diary or something they can come back and teach to the class? Travelling is such an important experience in life!

"If people are doing GCSE's then that's fair enough. Parents will have to cope for one year, but as long as the school set a criteria and you fit in it, then why on earth not let it happen? If you don't and your child is behind or has poor attendance then unfortunately it is a fine."