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5 days off in first month of Reception???

33 replies

EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:35

Hi have NC for this. I have a real conundrum which I may regret asking on this particular forum but here goes...

I'm a lone parent to a 4yr old. Have fairly limited income and like most other parents, I'm having to buy uniform this payday (I do get financial help from her father but not loads).

Last month we were scammed by a Caravan owner. It's a long story but basically we ended up with just 2 days in a Haven caravan. I eventually got my money back from the private caravan owner this week (most of it anyway) and so I'm now looking hopelessly to find a last min break for us to make up for the missing week. DD was heartbroken poor kid Sad

Anyway, having scoured Sun Holidays and Breakfree via the Daily Mail (Sorry!) I've found two date options which seem to apply to all parks with availability. Either 2nd Sep for 4 nights or 23rd Sep for 4 nights. DD starts Reception on Friday 6th Sep, however they said I can push it back to 9th if I like; which I was considering doing anyway for reasons I won't go into. So obviously 2nd Sep is obvious choice, right? Only prob, is that I get paid on 20th of each month & Aug 20th is uniform buying time! I'll still have some spare, however this trip would be half way through my pay period! Confused So would likely result in very very limited cash whilst we're there.
However, if we go on 23rd Sep, 3 days after September's pay day, all would be great... BUT it'd mean DD missing 5 whole days of school and despite the possible fine, I'd hate for her to miss out & not be up to date with all that's going on.

What do I do?

Yes, I realise it's a first world problem and no, it really isn't the worst problem I'm dealing with right now - believe me!!

Please be nice

Thanks! Brew

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MyDcAreMarvel · 14/08/2019 12:37

You can’t be fined as she won’t be compulsory school she, just go.

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MyDcAreMarvel · 14/08/2019 12:38

As for missing out children miss out entire terms in reception or even the whole of reception. Five days won’t make a difference.

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Cherryade8 · 14/08/2019 12:39

Definitely go at the beginning of September. The weather will probably be nicer too. Your dd wont mind if there's limited spending money.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:39

That's what I thought. I said that to my Mum. Who pointed out that she's still be missing out on what's going on etc

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meditrina · 14/08/2019 12:40

This is a really bad time for your DD not to be in school.

Sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear. But it's an important time for settling in. I would strongly avoid termtime holidays during the first half term at a new school.

Could you go in the autumn half term instead? It gives you a bit longer to save up, and would not cause your DD any disruption.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:40

@Cherryade8 That's when I want to go but honestly, we'll have about £50 for the week :(

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Wolfiefan · 14/08/2019 12:40

I wouldn’t miss time in reception. It’s so important that they settle in and make friends.

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GingerOClock · 14/08/2019 12:41

School isn't compulsory for her age. She won't miss much at all, and will soon catch up. Go at the end of September and have a wonderful time.

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Seeline · 14/08/2019 12:43

How does the school deal with Reception children starting? Do they go full-time straight away or is there daft system of some mornings/some afternoons for a while? You may find she hardly misses anything.

My only concern would be how it might impact her socially/emotionally. eg if she doesn't take to school very well to start with, it may be a big issue having to start all over again after only 2 weeks, then a week off and then back again. If she is fairly resilient and/or confident, I don't think I would be too worried in the circumstances.

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itsboiledeggsagain · 14/08/2019 12:43

Im surprised by the first answers.
I wouldn't go.
You can't afford it and are not free.
Your dd will not be wishing she was on holiday she will be getting stuck into school.

Your guilt is not the biggest factor here.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:43

@meditrina It's not a new school she's already been at the Pre school there for a year. I take your point though.

Autumn half term is 4 times the price and needs payment in full now! Just don't have it. Single mum issue! No credit cards either.

Single parenting is full of these kinds of dilemmas! As I'm sure many of you can relate to.

I think you're right though. Can't do it can we?

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Mayvis · 14/08/2019 12:44

Surely you use the money refunded for the new holiday. Would that not cover it?

How much uniform do you need to buy just to get through the first month? Then buy some more with Sep pay.

I'd go early Sep and rejig the finances. I wouldn't want mine to miss school.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:45

@Seeline Staggered starts.

She's already been at the school for a year in the Pre school

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dmango · 14/08/2019 12:46

I hate to say this as I can tell you need a break and I really believe holidays are important. Although, as a teacher and a mum I really wouldn't miss a week so early on. It's not really about missing learning but more the social and emotional aspects; building relationships, understanding routines and expectations etc
Sorry

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:47

@Mayvis No it only covers the holiday booking.

Good point though about uniform

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KitKat1985 · 14/08/2019 12:49

I wouldn't. The first few weeks at reception are about making friends, learning the routine of school, and the teacher getting to know each child. I’m genuinely surprised that most people are saying I’m in the wrong here for wanting my sister to care a bit more. 5 days is a lot to miss, and it doesn't make a very good impression for starting school.

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Shplot · 14/08/2019 12:49

I wouldn’t go, dd is too young to remember, you’ll spend the week saying no to stuff because of money and you risk her starting school not knowing what all the other kids do (where they eat lunch, cost pegs, routine, where to sit etc)
Why not put the money away and save for a holiday in the October break?

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:49

Just looked again at the schedule. Turns out she starts on 5th for a morning only, 6th morning only then mon 9th all day.

As I've said in my replies, she's been at this school for a year now and all her friends are going into the same class. Does that make a difference?

5 days off in first month of Reception???
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KitKat1985 · 14/08/2019 12:50

^ Copy and paste fail! Please ignore the middle sentence - no idea how it got there!

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ChipsAreLife · 14/08/2019 12:51

I missed the first week and a half of reception due to chicken pox. I felt really left out when I went in and I already knew people. I didn't know the routine etc so felt a bit behind. Of course I caught up eventually but wasn't my preferred start.

If you think your child can cope missing the start then do it.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:52

I think you're all right. I need to scrap the idea completely and look later in year. Thanks everyone!

(Either that or two nights in a hotel at the beach before September?!)

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seven201 · 14/08/2019 12:53

Pre-school and reception are very different. Different children, staff, routines etc. Settling in is so important. I would skip it to be honest or if you really want to go, go for the first week.

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EverTheConundrum · 14/08/2019 12:53

Yeah she already missed the settling in sessions due to originally being placed with a different school (another looong story!)

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Yerbumsootthewindae · 14/08/2019 12:54

I was a reception teacher in a previous life - as she is 4, school is not compulsory so there will be no fine. My only concern would be that missing a week of school after settling in for a couple of weeks might unsettle her again - this would bother some children, but wouldn't bother others. If your DD is happy to go to school and you think she'll be happy to go back after your holiday, go for it. Family time is important and you've got years and years ahead of being restricted by school holidays.
(Also RE school uniform, does your LA or school help with uniform costs? Schools or local parent groups often have pre-loved uniform available so it's worth asking around).

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Shmithecat2 · 14/08/2019 12:57

I wouldn't go, but not because of missing school - I'd rather not go on holiday if I could barely afford to enjoy it.

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