I couldn't believe half-term had come round so quickly so, in my usual disorganised way, had to hasty make arrangements for daughter.

She, of course thinks she is old enough to fend for herself. Yet I know the sort of thing she would get up to - all day pizza eating and TV watching are just two of the less worrying activities.

Anyway I got it all sorted so I will be at work rather than having to take emergency leave.

Daughter's new found sense of independence is increasing all the time. She is off to France with the school at the end of next month, an activity she would have flatly refused to join a year ago.

They are going to stay in a converted farmhouse and go on all sorts of exciting trips.

They get to sleep in dormitories and have been told there will be prizes for the most tidy dorm at the end.

I have visions of all the other girls standing ramrod straight at the ends of their beds, which will have been made with true military precision, waiting to be inspected.

Daughter will be the one fast asleep under a duvet surrounded by sweetie wrappers and with dirty clothes hanging off the bedpost. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

She and some of her friends are worried about the food as they think they will be presented with frogs' legs and snails.

Being the sort of mother I am, I am doing my utmost to maintain this.

I know she'll find they do chicken and chips once she gets there, but it's fun in the meantime.