With schools starting later than expected this year, our children are yet again missing out on valuable education. Many of them barely having caught up the 4 months of the previous year.

Working parents, particularly those who are self employed or CANNOT work from home are struggling to juggle both homeschooling and working - whether that is delivering to deadlines, retaining their employment or keep their businesses alive.

We have already heard about the financial difficulties of groups such as ExcludedUK, many of whom are also parents and supporting families.

We know about the detriment that lockdown and school closures are having on children's mental well-being, child poverty, the effect on working parents, the economy. 

No doubt that the current school closure will not see children return to school till the end of January (if government is only revisiting the closures on the 18th, it will take at least another week before schools will be ready to open).

Half term will fall only 3 weeks later!

I am petitioning therefore that the government cancel February half term. Keep children in school and learning and support parents in trying to rebuild their financial stability and in turn the economy.