MUM’S STORY ONE

When we go places on holiday we learn about the culture. You can’t get that in a classroom

MUM Emma Upton defended her decision to take 10-yearold daughter Adrianne out of school to go on holiday.

They went to Mexico earlier this year and Adrianne will miss more school time in autumn when the pair head to Gran Canaria.

But Emma, 31, argues the experience of spending time away from Northmuir Primary School in Kirriemuir, Angus, actually enhances the primary seven pupil’s education in a way school simply cannot.

“It’s got to be about balance,” she said.

“Obviously, continuity is best for education. However, when we go places on holiday we learn about their culture.

“That kind of learning experience isn’t something you can get in a classroom.

“Ady’s attendance is good otherwise, so that week away doesn’t have a detrimental effect on her and she is getting new experiences that she wouldn’t get otherwise.”

Emma argued that while the end of the summer term includes more “fun” activiies, it is not “worthless” and still teaches pupils lessons.

Indeed, her initial reasoning for taking breaks during term time was to fit in with her duties at sea.

But despite working more regular hours for the British Forces Resettlement Services, she is not planning to change when she takes a break with Adrianne.

She said: “When I was in the Navy I used to go away for months on end. When I was back I’d get lots of leave, generally not during holiday time, so we’d go away then.

“In England, we had holidays refused but took them anyway. In Scotland we haven’t had a problem.

“I know schools are getting a bit tighter on it so it might cause problems in the future.

“To be honest, I don’t think it would affect me too much if I was fined. I would just pay it.

“I understand why there are laws but I think it is focusing on the wrong people.

“They focus on pupils on holiday who aren’t the problem and not those pupils who are off a lot.”