Term time holiday fine question.

Mojisola

Some councils take this very seriously -
https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Hundreds-fined-term-time-holidays/story-19566150-detail/story.html#axzz2dIncpDY5

maman

Application of the rules is, and always has been, incredibly patchy. It works as a deterrent for some (as it's meant to) but for others who are totally contemptuous of education nothing would persuade them.

Mojisola

maman wrote: »

Application of the rules is, and always has been, incredibly patchy. It works as a deterrent for some (as it's meant to) but for others who are totally contemptuous of education nothing would persuade them.

Until this September, headteachers could use their discretion about term time holidays. That option has now been removed - if holidays are taken, fines will be levied.

Mojisola

EmmaBridgewater wrote: »

Unless exceptional circumstances.

Are holidays ever "exceptional circumstances"?

de_g.

pink_princess wrote: »

I'm taking my youngest out next week, his first week back. My eldest are not due back at uni/college yet.

I look forward to challenging the "fine"

On what basis? Even if you are of the view that a week is generally ok, you are aware that not all weeks are the same? Most schools won't authorise anything in September at all, because it is a vital time generally within the school year - getting to know new teachers and classes, assessing any children with SEN to make sure they get the right support, catching back up following the degradation over the summer, and so on.

I don't care how good a parent you think you are, taking children out of school at such an important time of year is irresponsible and will ultimately undermine their education.

Bluemeanie_2

Can't you just say the kids were ill?? Won't this just encourage people to lie?

Person_one

Mojisola wrote: »

Are holidays ever "exceptional circumstances"?

I've heard of cases of children who are seriously ill, who've been through something traumatic, who might not get a holiday for their whole childhood etc.

I think there are plenty of cases where a holiday in term time is not the end of the world and should be allowed, but I suppose everybody's definition of 'deserve' or 'exceptional' will be different.

paulineb_2

EmmaBridgewater wrote: »

If you can't physically go in the summer hols then yes I think so, everyone is deserving of a holiday.

Im not sure if this applies in Scotland, the fines, but I was looking at a schools policy on holidays during term time and its not looked upon favourably to say the least.

I was never taken out of school during term time, hardly likely as my mum was a teacher, but I think people really do need to be aware of each schools policy on it when they book a holiday incase they get a nasty surprise later

I was on my way home from holiday a few weeks ago and a mum on the bus with her daughter, they are Scottish, the mum said the school told her, no more holidays in term time, she has taken her out a couple of times in the last two years.

de_g.

EmmaBridgewater wrote: »

Unless exceptional circumstances.

Exceptional circumstances are for leaves of absence generally. It's for things like funerals and bereavements, not jaunts to Disneyland.

I can think of very few situations where the case for a normal family holiday to be counted as an exceptional circumstance could be made.

Mojisola

EmmaBridgewater wrote: »

If you can't physically go in the summer hols then yes I think so, everyone is deserving of a holiday.

Person_one wrote: »

I've heard of cases of children who are seriously ill, who've been through something traumatic, who might not get a holiday for their whole childhood etc.

I think there are plenty of cases where a holiday in term time is not the end of the world and should be allowed, but I suppose everybody's definition of 'deserve' or 'exceptional' will be different.

That's why most headteacher liked having the flexibility of the old system but they will now have to comply with the new rules.

It's not my system, it's not the headteachers' system, it's the law.