Schools no longer allowed to authorise holidays

Dunroamin

jackieblack wrote: »

I think that some of the frustration parents feel over this is exacerbated by the hypocrisy they perceive from schools.
eg Our local secondary school spends a whole day every year doing a 10 mile sponsored walk to raise money for school funds. And they send the children home early when they have their Open Evening, so they can get everything ready.
How is that ok?

But if a parent wants to take their child out for a day........ oh no - don't we know how damaging that would be for their education? and aren't we terrible parents for even considering it!

The difference is that children won't be missing out on anything when there are whole school or whole class activities, unlike when an individual child is taken out of class for a period.

Dunroamin

duchy wrote: »

So what shorthaul flight destination is not within Europe ?

(Definition of a shorthaul flight is 3 hours or less btw)

Several North African destinations come within the definition of shorthaul flights.

duchy

Dunroamin wrote: »

Several North African destinations come within the definition of shorthaul flights.

I don't think so. Morocco is over three hours.
Hardly majorly popular anyway. Families with young children generally seem to have a certain resistance to North African resorts as there is a perception it isn't as hygienic or safe as other holiday areas.

Dunroamin

duchy wrote: »

I don't think so. Morocco is over three hours.
Hardly majorly popular anyway. Families with young children generally seem to have a certain resistance to North African resorts as there is a perception it isn't as hygienic or safe as other holiday areas.

Both Tunis and Tangier are about 2.5 hours flying time from London and both (particularly Tunisia) are popular holiday destinations. (Although there is a lack of direct flights to Tangier currently.)

Whether or not you fancy holidaying there, the fact remains that they are short haul destinations outside Europe.

peachyprice

FBaby wrote: »

Is fining actually an official law?

Apparently so

PENALTY NOTICES FOR PARENTS OF TRUANTS
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ACT 2003 SECTION 23

Legislation
The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 inserts into the Education Act 1996 Section 444A and Section 444B enabling authorised personnel to issue penalty notices as an alternative to prosecution under Section 444 and enable parents to discharge potential liability for conviction for that offence by paying a penalty.

getzls

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Easter?? Christmas?? Thankfully the entire world doesn't need to holiday during July/August

Forgot about Christmas and Easter, job forbids them too.

My son is in school so how do i take him away for a holiday. Maybe a two day trip over the weekend.

My point is some schools don't allow for limited holiday periods due to the parents job.

mumps

zagfles wrote: »

Eastern Europe is a great holiday destination, cheap food, cheap beer, loads to see and do. And even if you want a "beach" holiday places like Bulgaria are supposed to be amazing (not been myself but have heard great reports).

I am looking forward to it. I have heard the beaches in Bulgaria are nice but as I said doesn't suit me. I have had a nice holiday at Lake Balaton when my kids were younger. Easyjet used to fly to Budapest from Bristol, I think that service has stopped now. It was a fantastic holiday and really cheap.

Mr_Wang

My kids have missed at least 2 weeks every year due to travelling.

I have always obtained permission from the school (including being granted it just last week!)

My son starts Grammar school in September....

Yet another heavy handed approach by an ever increasing nanny state government. With teacher strikes, teacher training days and from a profession that works 9 months per year I can't help thinking this is like using a chainsaw to cut down a daffodil.

mumps

pinkladyof66 wrote: »

i am looking to fly from Bristol

I have had very cheap flights from Bristol in the past to lots of places, I did like Hungary but I think that service has stopped. Got really cheap flights to Italy, Czech Republic, Ireland which was the best bargain £1 each way so four of us for £8 and a lovely time on the coast. I have used Ryanair and Easyjet, always manage with hand luggage and followed all the rules, particular cards etc.

mumps

Mr_Wang wrote: »

My kids have missed at least 2 weeks every year due to travelling.

I have always obtained permission from the school (including being granted it just last week!)

My son starts Grammar school in September....

Yet another heavy handed approach by an ever increasing nanny state government. With teacher strikes, teacher training days and from a profession that works 9 months per year I can't help thinking this is like using a chainsaw to cut down a daffodil.

I'm not a teacher but I think you have a fairly narrow view there. Teachers don't have the day off for training days, they are training. You will find at your son's new grammar school that when GCSE and A level results come out the teachers are in celebrating with some and trying to sort things out for the ones who haven't quite made it.

They will also be in for some days over the summer preparing for the new year.. I suppose it is a bit different in primary school, which is a long time ago for mine, but certainly in secondary education, well from my experience of the 2 grammar schools that mine attended, the teachers are normally in by 8.30 at the latest, you could normally speak to them until 5 pm and sometimes later. When they get home I assume they do marking and preparation. Anyway your real argument isn't really with the teachers is it..