er regarding school ski trips (Free Press December 21), when our children were at school my husband worked for Wessex Water, and during the summer holidays he worked long hours, often through the night, to ensure that hotels etc had plenty of water.

We took our children out of school for a few days in September to tour Cornwall with two small tents – not always good but a break together and all that we could afford.

Their skiing experience was walking up to find snow and running to the top of the hill with all their mates, carrying our best tin trays.

It is the parents who feed and clothe their children, often going without ourselves. We sit with them through the night when they are ill or having nightmares, and sometimes keeping vigil during long stays in hospital.

I know that teachers sometimes have a difficult job and I am grateful to them, but surely the real reward for seeing the child’s enjoyment should go the parents, not the teachers.

Kathleen Richards, Townsend, Williton.