Holidays in term time

mummy2014

Hi All

Just wanting some advice please I am thinking about taking my son who is in Reception at school aged 4 out of school for two weeks. Both my husband and I cant really take off on holiday in the school holidays because of our jobs.

Would any of you do the same?

Many thanks

Guest101

There are no legal repercussions for doing so. Morally it's up to you.

onlyroz

He is under statutory school age and so this won't be a problem. If you do it again after he turns 5 then you will most likely be fined.

Rain_Shadow

Personally I'm opposed to it because I think it gives the child the impression that rules are unimportant and can be broken if it suits you.

Rain_Shadow

mummy2014 wrote: »

Hi All

Just wanting some advice please I am thinking about taking my son who is in Reception at school aged 4 out of school for two weeks. Both my husband and I cant really take off on holiday in the school holidays because of our jobs.

Would any of you do the same?

Many thanks

onlyroz wrote: »

He is under statutory school age and so this won't be a problem. If you do it again after he turns 5 then you will most likely be fined.

He's a 'rising 5' in reception and so is of school age. The validity of fines is dubious at present following a much reported recent case.

Guest101

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

He's a 'rising 5' in reception and so is of school age. The validity of fines is dubious at present following a much reported recent case.

Remember that a child is not obliged to attend school at all, however if education is to be provided by the state, then a child is not obliged to attend school until the first term following their 5th birthday.


That aside, the FPNs issued by the LA are not in question at all, it is cases which parents take to court which are affected.


An FPN is basically a way to avoid court.

Tigsteroonie

Formal education is only mandatory from the term following a chid's 5th birthday; therefore there is no basis on which to financially penalise parents for a child's absence before that time.

The validity of fines after that time is currently being debated by each council, following a successful fight against the 'fine' on the Isle of Wight. Derbyshire County Council recently announced that they were scrapping automatic fines: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/family-holidays/term-time-holiday-fines-scrapped-by-derbyshire-council/

Personally I believe that the decision whether it is acceptable for a child to miss school is one that should be made jointly between the parents and the school, without blanket rules being applied by the local council. Some holidays can be educational, others are not; some children are stimulated by changes in environment, others are not offered such stimulation. Some children can 'catch up' with work missed, others struggle. Each situation is individual.

This ^^ is my personal opinion and I am not going to debate it yet again. I accept that others may have different opinions. MSE is full of opinions, all of which should be respected.

So to the OP - Yes, we would and have done the same.

DigForVictory

I'd have a word with school to bombproof it, but reception? Yes, pretty much in a heartbeat.

Secondary, only after a great deal more soul-searching.

Always remember that teachers yearn for more material to make teaching more interesting for themselves & their pupils, so if you offer to bring back postcards, stamps, a CD of local music, a bag of local sweeties (caveat allergies) and other things to brighten a wall display, the odds of you going with the school's cooperation & blessing rocket. Just deliver on these promises.

Tigsteroonie

DigForVictory wrote: »

Always remember that teachers yearn for more material to make teaching more interesting for themselves & their pupils, so if you offer to bring back postcards, stamps, a CD of local music, a bag of local sweeties (caveat allergies) and other things to brighten a wall display, the odds of you going with the school's cooperation & blessing rocket. Just deliver on these promises.

:rotfl: Our littl'un has Cornish beach shells and pebbles to take in on Monday! :rotfl:

Loanranger

No. Children really need to learn that school is not only for when it is convenient to go.

DigForVictory

And to see both parents relaxed & happy together by daylight. I approve of instilling a moral compass, but I'd build up so they accept by Secondary that this is not going to happen as School is Important.

A Reception age child, with school agreement, will remind parents of the sheer pleasure of little things.