'Why not, it's cheaper' - readers back taking children on holiday in term time

Would you take the children away during school time?

Authorised absences, cheaper holidays and more flexibility in schools.

These are just some of the ideas put forward by readers who back taking children on holiday during the school year, instead of sticking to the traditional holiday times. Eighty-eight per cent of readers who took part in an online poll were on board with the idea.

Many cited cheaper holiday deals as the main reason for taking their children out - but also added that family time is just as important as time spent in the classroom.

Others called on travel agents to lower their prices.

Here's what you had to say about the issue on social media:

Tracy Halliday: "Did it most years and our son left with brilliant grades, got a degree, a masters and has a good job. It's not just in school that your kids learn."

Hayley Hodgson: "Yes I would a week before they break up for their holidays! It's cheaper and it's not affecting their education when the last week they do pretty much nothing, I see no harm ... if they are that worried about kids' education and development then stop giving them so many half terms!"

Steve Hall: "Something needs to be done about the artificially high prices of holidays during school breaks. Taking children out of school for a few days isn’t too bad as they are able to catch up. However a two-week break means that the child is now two weeks behind the rest of the class, and the chances of catching up is slim."

Heather Jopling: "My brother does for one week. The holiday is Â£1,700 in June but over Â£3,000 in school holidays. 100% attendance otherwise. People want to do best by their kids and show them different parts of the world and have a nice break when working hard. Sadly the holiday companies capitalise on this and prevent families from doing it."