Give parents a choice

A decision has been made to cut the summer holidays down from 6 weeks to 5 and add an unnecessary week onto the October half term, why?. With the growing pressure on parents and the fear of a fine for taking children away during term time, why not cut parents a bit of slack and allow them to use their own initiative regarding the education of THEIR children. The week removed from the summer holidays should be given to parents to allow them to use as they please, not added stupidly on to another holiday. This would give parents 1 week out of the school year to access cheaper holidays, sport activities, or to use for illness and absence to prevent a loss of their child's attendance. Working parents do not always have the privilege to use their annual leave during school holidays, so this would provide a greater opportunity for families and relieve the growing pressure they experience.