I am an FE lecturer with two children. My wife and I manage to negotiate the various obstacles that stymie a working day, such as school runs and school collections, but it is not easy. It would be easier if I felt that every time I had to take time off for a child’s illness my absence was not greeted with restrained hostility. It is a sexist hostility that implies that it is my wife who should take time off work. I have spoken to my line manager about this but he simply shrugs off any suggestion that he is being anything less than objective.

You have every right to take time away from work if it is to care for a family member. Who takes this responsibility is your decision. Unfortunately, it is common in this country for managers to consider parenting as a sideline that must not interfere with business. Considering the national agenda to bring all and sundry, including parents, back into education with the goal of bettering themselves, this is a poor example to set.