Holidays in term time

tea_lover

I wouldn't. As they're in reception they only started school a month ago, so there's been plenty of opportunities in the 4 to 5 years previously for holidays outside of term time. Once school starts I think it's only fair to everyone to abide by the rules in place.

LKRDN_Morgan

I take my son out for 2 weeks every year. He's in year 6 now. Been fined the last 2 occasions but still cheaper than paying for same holiday outside of term time.

My son has visited some amazing places and had experiences that you just can't get in a classroom. Right or wrong I'm not fussed at all what other people/school think. He's not behind his peers in anyway and his attendance is otherwise excellent.

Peter333

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

Yes I would do the same. Let the school know, but he isn't going to be affected by 2 weeks lack of education at the age of 4!

Enjoy your trip.

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

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.

Loanranger wrote: »

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

Is naughty mommy and daddy keeping him off school for 2 weeks at the age of FOUR really going to make him a master criminal, breaking the law and flouting the rules for the rest of his life? :eek:

Over-reaction alert. :cool:

johannalf88

I think it depends. At that age they are probably not going to be learning anything useful, and you may be able to teach them more depending on where you are taking them. Disneyland / butlins/ holiday parks, not a chance; however Morocco, Greece, France etc, anywhere with some culture or learning opportunities outside of a resort (i.e. Camping, family visits, languages etc) I would guess they would thrive on.

Just ask yourself though would you be happy with the teacher taking 2 weeks off for a holiday, as they can't afford to take holidays at the school holidays.... Remember that each kid might have 4 teachers, meaning that if you say yes they might not be taught properly for 2 months of the year!! Thats a lot of time seeing as they seem to only be at school for around 7 months of it!
If the answer is no the teachers should work they get enough breaks, leave the child in school, if yes the teachers should be allowed to take holidays too, then take out your child, and start campaigning to help the teachers too, you never know you may have more luck with the teachers on your side!

(And I am not a teacher - just someone who has noticed that some people with kids think its fine for them to take them out of school, but when teachers want a holiday "its their choice to be teacher", seemingly oblivious to the fact its their choice to have children!)

Oh and Mummy2014 - it that you can't get leave in the school holidays. I always work during summer hols as thats when most parents want leave, and as I don't have kids I don't need it. The only school holidays I try to get off are Xmas/new year (who wants to work that) and occasionally a few days at Feb half term (my birthday!). Is there no way you can negotiate with your employers for future years? While I can understand it doesn't really matter at age 4, it will start to matter soon.

Tigsteroonie

johannalf88 wrote: »

(And I am not a teacher - just someone who has noticed that some people with kids think its fine for them to take them out of school, but when teachers want a holiday "its their choice to be teacher", seemingly oblivious to the fact its their choice to have children!)

When we made the decision to have our son, when I was pregnant, and even in the first couple of years of his life, parents were allowed to use their own judgement when deciding whether to take their child(ren) out of school. The government changed the rules by introducing a punitive fine.

FBaby

Pointless thead, some will tell you that it's fine, others will tell you that you are teaching your child that breaking rules and that makes you a very bad parents, others will say that you are incredibly selfish because of how it affects the teachers and some even will tell you that you have already ruined your child's full education with that decisions, so really, it's up to you in the end!

johannalf88

I wasn't really talking about the fines, they aren't enough to stop people taking children out anyway, as indicated above. I just think that we shouldn't have double standards.

theoretica

johannalf88 wrote: »

I think it depends. At that age they are probably not going to be learning anything useful,

Interesting philosophy - at that age I learnt reading, writing, arithmetic extending to love of books and comfort with numbers. All great life skills, and as the foundations more important than nearly everything I learnt in junior school.

Gloomendoom

theoretica wrote: »

Interesting philosophy - at that age I learnt reading, writing, arithmetic extending to love of books and comfort with numbers. All great life skills, and as the foundations more important than nearly everything I learnt in junior school.

At that age I didn't know what reading, writing and arithmetic were. I don't believe I even knew what school was.

Despite not starting school until the age of five, I also developed a love of books and comfort with numbers.

peachyprice

In reception, yes, without a doubt.
1) Your isn't legally obliged to attend school
2) To suggest a child of 4 would understand the concept that going on holiday with mummy and daddy means that rules are unimportant and can be broken if it suits is frankly quite ridiculous.
3) At that age a child will learn just as much out of school spending 2 weeks with his parents in a new and exciting environment as he will in school with 20 other children.