Would you allow your child to skip school for some cheaper summer sunshine?

Former_MSE_Molly

Hello Forumites,

It's been asked before, but it's a topic that crops up time and time again, especially at this time of year...

As families start thinking about their plans for next summer (beating the rush to book time off, looking for deals... you get the idea), we want to know if you would take your child away during term time for a more affordable break?

Is it an absolute moral 'no' for you? Or maybe you found this year to be really pricey and it's now something you would consider?

Remember that there is always the possibility that you could incur fines etc. - so make sure you're clear on the general rules. You can read our guide on the matter here.

We'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Remember to keep comments friendly! :A

AndyPix

Of course I would ..


Our area doesn't fine so that's not an issue, and at the end of term all the kids do anyway is mess around and play games, so no education lost..


Mine is 8 - when she gets older and there may be an actual impact on her education , things may be different

maman

AndyPix wrote: »

Of course I would ..


Our area doesn't fine so that's not an issue, and at the end of term all the kids do anyway is mess around and play games, so no education lost..


Mine is 8 - when she gets older and there may be an actual impact on her education , things may be different

MSE_Molly wrote: »

Remember to keep comments friendly! :A

Well, that got the thread off to a good start:(. Just think how all the teachers who teach in Primary schools might feel reading that uninformed opinion. They don't spend years at university to become childminders. If a parent isn't concerned about the education of his own child what hope is there.:(

AndyPix

What are you talking about ??


You either woefully misinterpreted my post or are looking for an argument !!


I didn't realise teachers feeling were to be taken into account when answering the question and it certainly wasn't my intention to offend anyone.


It is a fact, that in the last couple of weeks of term, at this age (8), serious work isn't done - its all about bringing in their own games and dressing up etc


perhaps things are different in your experience - I can only speak from mine

Kentish_Dave

No, I wouldn’t.

One of the most important lessons in life is the value of education, and another is doing the right thing.

If I’d messed up enough that I couldn’t afford the holiday that we wanted in the holidays then I’d just accept that that was down to me, and not expect others to accommodate my wants because of it.

AndyPix

I read my post again, and I see the way you have taken it ..


I simply meant that at the END of term, ie the last week or so, they don't do much learning. So nothing lost by taking them out for a cheaper holiday - again IN MY EXPERIENCE


No offence meant to any teachers. My daughters school and her current teacher in particular are awesome

strawb_shortcake

It's a big fat no from me, book in advance and you can still get a good bargain. I like my children to know and accept they have responsibilities to uphold and attending school is top of the list.
I also have perhaps odd children that enjoy school and want to get their 100% attendance certificates at the end of the year so they'd reject any notion of a holiday over school.

Artytarty

No no no.
It's important that children see parents respect rules.
They also should be with their classmates doing either work or play, messing about or whatever, but doing it with their peers.that in itself is a learning experience.

AndyPix

Artytarty wrote: »

that in itself is a learning experience.

yes but so is exploring a foreign country - a variety of experiences has to be better, and a parent may have no way of providing that experience apart from at a reduced rate

suejb2

Have done and will do again. I work in a primary school that is a feeder school to my children’s secondary school but the summer term never match. I always finish three days sometimes a week before them.
Surely it’s not difficult for schools to match? That time difference costs a surprising lot.

maman

AndyPix wrote: »

yes but so is exploring a foreign country - a variety of experiences has to be better, and a parent may have no way of providing that experience apart from at a reduced rate

Thanks for explaining your position but I'd assume that your child's awesome teacher would be offended if you were to suggest that the class just mess about at the end of term. Schools are very pressured places these days and when the tests are over (in every year group) then the staff work hard to try to bring a bit of balance back to the curriculum. Children enjoy all the sports and picnics and fun stuff at the end of term. The social side of school is important too.

I agree about travel being good education but there are 13 weeks a year for that. If you can't afford it every year then no matter, there are plenty of things to do as a family in the UK.