Sir, The Department for Education states that “missing the equivalent of just one week a year from school can mean a child is significantly less likely to achieve good GCSE grades, having a lasting effect on their life chances” (“Term-time holiday father wins battle to overturn £120 fine”, Oct 17).
Is the department seriously suggesting that if a child goes sick for a week or more, or has an accident, that they will never recover their lost time in school? What nonsense. Children are very resilient and will quickly catch up with their peers. Of course, if there is a prolonged absence, for whatever reason, they may find it difficult to catch up — but not in the normal circumstances of having a week or two off.
B R J Simpson
Gosport, Hants