Should Scots term time holidays be banned?

With most Scottish schoolchildren enjoying their half term break, new research has shown that almost four in 10 of parents in the UK have taken their children out of school to go on holiday

Cost is the main reason given by parents for sacrificing their children's education. With a half-board week in the Mediterranean costing a family of four about £3,000 in term time, the bill jumps by about 25% in the school holiday season.

Many parents view travel as a vital and integral part of family life but they resent being penalised by both holiday companies and inflexible councils.

Should local authorities stagger school holidays to enable families with children to take advantage of travel bargains? Or is it wrong for parents to jeopardise their children's education for the sake of a cheaper holiday?

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