School Holiday Fines

badmemory

When I became a single parent I wanted us to show what I can only call a united front to deal with what was a difficult situation. As part of that we shared jobs out. But the 2 main jobs were, it was my responsibility to keep a roof over our heads & food on the table & my sons to attend school & try his best. I still believe it is a parent's responsibility to ensure that their child attends school, either that or homeschool the child themselves. Although I must confess to some reservations about the run up to Christmas, which seems to involve getting children even more wound up about it than the normally are & increasing expectations.

thecoffeehouse204

skipfeeney wrote: »

Hi,

I have requested via the school to take my kids out of school for 1 day before the summer holiday. It has been declined and I have been told we will get fined. Is the fine £60 per parent even if its just one day?

Not sure if it varies by local authority but in our area you only get fined if they're absent for 10 sessions (5 school days). Don't think these have to be consecutive so if you have already taken a term time holiday within a set period of over 5 days that could be the reason for the fine. Your local authority website should have the criteria for unauthorised absences.

FBaby

Few if any of those decisions though deny them their rights, or I at least hope not, whereas taking them out of school does.

Most of the decisions parents make impa t on the kids rights. Rights to a good diet that will increase your chances of a healthier life later being the most obvious. What about parents who let their kids burn in the sun by forgetting to apply suncream? Isn't that denying their rights to not being exposed to th risks of cancer?

I've heard that so many times as a justification for a cheap holiday. The answer is: How do you know there was no impact? Just maybe they could have done even better than they did. Did they get A* in every exam, a first at uni, with never a problem along the way?

Yes I do in retrospective. DD got A*AA at A levels and now studying Medicine. I say in retrospective because of course I couldn't have been sure then this would happen, just a belief, but at the same time, no teacher could say now nor then, that if we hadn't gone on holiday, she would have got 3 A* either. Even if she did, it would have made no difference to her career. The memory of the holiday is however priceless.

foxster99

FBaby wrote: »

DD got A*AA at A levels and now studying Medicine. .

You know, it's odd how everyone who posts anonymously on the internet who took their children out of school have children that got perfect As and are now brain surgeons or CEOs of multinational companies.

Whereas I who have worked at an excellent high school for over a decade have never seen this. Those that miss school tend to do poorly or at least not reach their potential. I think it's a combination of missed school and a poor work ethic instilled by their don't-give-a-damn parents.

motorguy

FBaby wrote: »

Yes I do in retrospective. DD got A*AA at A levels and now studying Medicine. I say in retrospective because of course I couldn't have been sure then this would happen, just a belief, but at the same time, no teacher could say now nor then, that if we hadn't gone on holiday, she would have got 3 A* either. Even if she did, it would have made no difference to her career. The memory of the holiday is however priceless.

So where would you draw the line with that?

Is it ok for children of high achieving parents to be taken out of school for holidays but not for average kids?

maman

motorguy wrote: »

So where would you draw the line with that?

Is it ok for children of high achieving parents to be taken out of school for holidays but not for average kids?

I suppose one possible outcome will be that the high achievers might end up earning enough to not have to take cheaper term time holidays so they won't perpetuate the irresponsible behaviour of their parents.

Or alternatively they'll send their children to independent schools so that they have different holidays.

motorguy

maman wrote: »

I suppose one possible outcome will be that the high achievers might end up earning enough to not have to take cheaper term time holidays so they won't perpetuate the irresponsible behaviour of their parents.

Or alternatively they'll send their children to independent schools so that they have different holidays.

I'm going to assume that was a tongue in cheek comment?

maman

motorguy wrote: »

So where would you draw the line with that?

Is it ok for children of high achieving parents to be taken out of school for holidays but not for average kids?

motorguy wrote: »

I'm going to assume that was a tongue in cheek comment?

Of course. I couldn't agree more with your observation.

My point is that, even if you happen to have a A*** achieving child it's still wrong to give them the message that they can raise the proverbial 2 fingers to school rules and the law.

FBaby

You know, it's odd how everyone who posts anonymously on the internet who took their children out of school have children that got perfect As and are now brain surgeons or CEOs of multinational companies.

Haha happy to post you a copy of their A levels results and offer of place if you require evidence! A few posters here know me so would look quite foolish if I was lying.

Is it ok for children of high achieving parents to be taken out of school for holidays but not for average kids?

That's not for me to judge. I did it because as a parent, I deemed that it wouldn't harm their education and future career.

My point is that, even if you happen to have a A*** achieving child it's still wrong to give them the message that they can raise the proverbial 2 fingers to school rules and the law

No proverbial 2 fingers raised at all, but I'm not surprised se teachers would take personally. Thankfully none of their teachers did and I have never been fined either.

Just to be clear though, I have only taken them out for a week once, otherwise only a few days probably a totally of 4 times in their education, so not a serial abuser. I also did it because they had no, or only a couple of days sickness at most in the year.

Comms69

To be clear if intelligent and highly achieving parents have the time to provide an education to their children, then of course they can do as they wish.