At the risk of inviting the cry of “Scrooge”, I agree with the headteacher of Rochford Primary School, who has cancelled the school’s annual Nativity play for the older children, aged seven to 11.

Of course he has not cancelled Christmas.

Christmas is, or should be, about much more than one school play.

The picture on the front page (November 10) of last year’s Christmas production at the school is lovely, and I have no doubt the children enjoyed it. But what on earth has the Jungle Book got to do with the Christmas story?

The old story, told in children’s voices and lit by candles, is magical enough without bringing in more modern fiction.

The headteacher has stated all the children will have the opportunity to take part in a local church service, and also a special carol assembly. This is not humbug.

It is what Christmas is all about.

The answer to the mother whose daughter, aged ten, can’t understand why her sister, aged four, can’t “have fun” is that as a child gets older and progresses through school, fun gives way to more serious work and time is precious.

Margaret Stoll
Rochefort Drive
Rochford

...Rochford Primary School is categorically not cancelling Christmas.

The school will still have Christmas parties, with Christmas decorations, a Christmas carol concert and, for the younger students, a traditional Nativity.

The only thing different to previous years is the older children’s performance has been moved from December to later in the school year, a performance seldom Christmas-themed.

This decision was taken to ensure that while pupils still have lots of festive activities to look forward to, there remains a focus on learning and improving educational standards.

Your headline “Parents slam Nativity ban” is misleading.

There is no Nativity play ban. We want the pupils to enjoy Christmas and we look forward to celebrating together.

A Howe
Headteacher
Rochford Primary School