Term Time Holiday

angiesandhu

Hi,

I just wondered what the implications were in taking a child out of school during term time. I know its not "allowed", but just wondered if anyone here has done it and whether they had to pay a fine etc.

Thanks

Bufger

My parents took me out at term time many moons ago just before my GCSE's during the revision term. Didnt do me any harm!

Not sure on the penalties but week long sickness is common

balletshoes

there are regular threads about this subject - here is one of the most recent -

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4414801

angiesandhu

I know when i was a child, my parents would take me out for about a month at a time! I also turned out ok!

Always worry about saying sickness in case someone decides to turn up at the house!

balletshoes

heres another thread about it -

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4363457

angiesandhu

Thanks Balletshoes, i will have a look x

Janepig

I took my two out of school for 3 days last January with headmasters permission (he signed their passport photos). We had a letter about this recently asking that parents avoid last week and this week because there are school tests going on (welsh sats equivalents I think) but I know of at least 3 families who have had permission to take their children out of school during this time. They're pretty laid back tbh. But in the same way I know other schools have been sending kids home with tons of homework to prep for the tests but ours haven't had any, which is as it should be (and it's still one of the best performing schools in Wales). I like their style!

Jx

clairey1208

The rules change in September 2013 & head teachers are no longer allowed to authorise any holidays during term time!

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/behaviour/attendance/a00223868/regulations-amendments

FBaby

I don't know anyone who has been charged for taking their kids off school for a few days for holiday purposes. It would appear that where I live, fines are more likely to be issued to parents who children are just kept at home repeatedly for no valid reasons (to the school )

I am taking my kids off tomorrow. I didn't think I would need to when I booked the trip, but taking into account boarding time and travel to get there, we will need to leave in the morning. The last time I did take them out of school was for two days 4 years ago. They have only ever missed 1 or 2 days maximum sickness a year.

Considering my daughter's school organises a whole week of fun activities the last week of school, I really don't feel too bad taking them out one day (neither are in exams year).

Faith177

My friend was fined between £20-£50 (i cant remember the exact amount) per child per day in Feb when she went to Florida. If her partner had gone as well both of them were to be fined. Cost her a fortune as she has 3 kids at school

bestpud

It depends where you live. Nobody gets fined here that I know of but other areas are a lot hotter on it.

If it's more than 10 days or they have a lot of absences already, you may get a visit from an EWO.

You'd be better asking parents around you or searching forums using the name of your area.

I've been trying to find reliable data showing how many of these fines are actually paid.

I read somewhere that an awful lot aren't and/or the courts throw them out of they get that far so my guess is a lot of parents simply ignore them.

They supposedly aren't allowed to write them off when issued though, so I'm not sure how it works tbh.

If the figures worked in favour of the powers that be, they'd be plainly on view, but I can't find them....