Term Time Holiday

Rain_Shadow

angiesandhu wrote: »

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

I think the main implication is that your child learns that you think rules don't apply to you.

flutterby_lil

I took my son out for 4 days last year, we are in Lancashire, the school authorised it no problem. I was on maternity leave and got the holiday so cheap. We went mid way through the October half term week and reduced cost dramatically.

He is only in reception so I didn't think it was a problem.

We go again on Sunday, I too work in a school and get different holidays to him, we get 2 weeks half term this time, he only get 8 days, so he again will miss one day of school. I have to fit it in around me.

FBaby

If I was fined in my situation, I would create such a fuss!!! I would certainly ask how they can justify it when the school see it appropriate to take a whole week out of the children's education to arrange a week full of activities. I would also question how when my kids' own teachers admit that they don't have the capacity to challenge them at their level (fair enough, my choice not to transfer them to private schools), they think it is acceptable to fine me on the assumption that that day missed will have a detriment on their education.

Thankfully, it doesn't happen locally. I consider myself a responsible parent and don't take my kids out of school out a whim, but to the idea of being fined just because they think they have a right to punish me for my decision without having even assessed the consequences of my decision would really get me going!!

flutterby_lil

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

I think the main implication is that your child learns that you think rules don't apply to you.

Depending on the childs age, I don't think they will care about the rules, the beach, pool, sun and ice cream will appeal to them more. My son is only 4 so will be unaware that he has broken a rule by missing a day of school.

balletshoes

Until your child is aged 5 and officially required to be in education you cant be fined anyway.

loracan1

As clairey points out, the rules have been revised and in force from September, family holidays will not be granted as special circumstances.

paulwellerfan

i got fined for taking my daughter out of school she was about 14 at the time.
i just paid up.
it was cheaper than the extra on the holiday in the end.
£60 i think.

Coffee-addict_2

Hi, I have taken my son out of school every year for 2 weeks since he was a toddler, he is now 17 and in sixth form, I have never been fined but other parents from the same school have, i have never asked permission, he is my son and he is gaining valuable experience of the wider world on holidays, so have never felt guilty! I have to say I was always a little disappointed they never tried to fine me, I would have loved a discussion, have they ever asked my permission if they can tag an inset day on the end of every spring break, half term, full term, summer holidays, or christmas holidays, no

lindsaygalaxy

Just to play devils advocate (and i'm not saything this is what I think!) but....

If parents dont respect the rules, how can you expect children to and then moan when behaviour is bad.....

Claree__x

Half of my school were taken out 10 years ago for a few days to go to Seville for the UEFA cup final, I believe there was even a memo a few days later (once we all got back) saying that notes from parents (as it was in the day, I believe you now call?) were not required - presumably they were fed up of the lies