IT WAS back to school today for thousands of local children, but not for three sisters in York. Elizabeth, Melody and Arielle Redman, aged between ten and 13, have always been educated at home by their mother, who prefers to do the job herself.

Such a decision would not suit many parents, yet the option is there for those who feel strongly, which is as it should be.

Flexibility in education is important, as shown by Canon Lee School in York, which from tomorrow will run to a continental day, starting at 8.30am and finishing at 2.40pm.

This relocation of the school day might well be beneficial, getting children into school earlier when they are more attentive, and freeing them for home before the afternoon tiredness sets in. After all, it seems to work on the Continent.

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, September 03, 2002