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AIBU?

To take dd out of school for a term time holiday?

49 replies

Rattusn · 17/10/2016 08:41

Her attendance is 100% so far this year, and I work in the public sector and only get fixed annual leave. This never falls during the school holidays, so if I don't take her out of school, we would never get a holiday. She is very clever, and exceeding expectations academically.

Wibu to take her for a term time holiday?

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NavyandWhite · 17/10/2016 08:44

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Lweji · 17/10/2016 08:45

When and for how long?
How old is she?

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HerSpookyFattyness · 17/10/2016 08:46

DS1 will be going in holiday during term time. My.mums booked a holiday in may and is taking him with her. No way am I saying he can't go because hell miss a week of school (the other week he'll be away will be half term) he's nearly 8 and never been on holiday. (I can't afford it.) I won't take that opportunity from him.

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Ohdearducks · 17/10/2016 08:47

Yanbu, you know what's best for your child. How likely are you to get a fine? Can you factor that in to the cost of the holiday?

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sonlypuppyfat · 17/10/2016 08:51

I took mine out in June we'd had a rotten time with bullying etc my friend offered to pay for us I couldn't afford it, we went and we were having lunch overlooking the beach in Cornwall and we all started crying we were so happy and couldn't believe we'd nearly turned it down because of school

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CozyAutumn · 17/10/2016 08:55

Yanbu. I did this last week with ds, took him on holiday for a week. He gained a lot from the holiday so I don't feel guilty. Since coming back he's cracked on with his work and it's like he never went away.
Like someone else said, I think it depends on if there are any exams. Taking a year 6 child on holiday for 2 weeks just before their SATS might be a bit unreasonable.

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Rattusn · 17/10/2016 08:55

She is 6, and it would be for a week.

The council only fines for 10+ days, but even if they did, we could absorb the cost.

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Rattusn · 17/10/2016 08:57

No exams!

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rookiemere · 17/10/2016 08:58

Depends on her age and when you are talking about.

From what I've seen at DS's school the two weeks before the end of each term particularly summer term appear to be pretty much a write off anyway oh and then if they are doing a big production, which they do every couple of years, then there's about 5 weeks in the middle of term where unless your DC is into drama, they won't miss very much at all.

If it's the start of term then I'd be less keen.

Also a week is different from a fortnight.

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NavyandWhite · 17/10/2016 08:59

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CozyAutumn · 17/10/2016 08:59

OP our council say the same regarding a fine only if it's 10+ days. Hence why I won't be getting a fine for taking DS on holiday for 5 days. One of those days the school had to close anyway due to no running water so technically it should only be 4 days he was off! But I can see them still counting it as time off.

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rookiemere · 17/10/2016 09:00

Sorry x-posted. Age 6 for one week - I don't think she'll miss anything fundamental. I would however explain the full circumstances to the head and the class teacher and be pleasant and polite about it as it's the teacher that will need to absorb any extra teaching required because of the absence.

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Rattusn · 17/10/2016 09:04

Thank you Rookie. We are keen to keep a good relationship with the teacher, so I will do so. We do a lot of work at home (reading, English and maths workbooks) and she is ahead of expectations, so there shouldn't be any worry about her falling behind. Before anyone says I'm a pushy parent, this work is at her instigation, as she loves learning.

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TheFreaksShallInheritTheEarth · 17/10/2016 09:04

I would if I were you. She won't miss much in school in that shirt time, and the school will soon forgive you.
Our HT told me she had no choice but to refuse term time absence requests, but personally had no problem really with the occasional term time holiday!

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MrsJayy · 17/10/2016 09:09

I know you are trying to find reason so you can take her out by saying she is on track etc, but just take her you wont get permission you might get fined but if it is the only holiday you get then just take her Smile

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NoahVale · 17/10/2016 09:16

she is 6, I think that is absolutely fine

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Lweji · 17/10/2016 09:17

If she's 6, definitely. However, I'd liaise with the teacher in case they were starting something important.

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honkinghaddock · 17/10/2016 09:18

I don't think there is anything wrong with the occasional term time holiday at that age. I don't think a child being clever comes into it though, just your work circumstances.

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mouldycheesefan · 17/10/2016 09:20

I do it every year. Never been fined.

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Rattusn · 17/10/2016 09:20

honking the reason I am mentioning it, is to say it means she is unlikely to fall behind academically. If I had a child who was struggling academically it would but a slightly different slant on it.

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thecraftyfox · 17/10/2016 09:24

Double check and be certain if it's 10 days or 10 sessions. 10 sessions (morning and afternoon of school day) is a week. I'm sure my local authority will issue a fine at 10 sessions.

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honkinghaddock · 17/10/2016 09:26

I agree that you personally might feel differently but I wouldn't want it to be a general thing that it is only being ok for a child to have time off if they are doing well.

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MrsJayy · 17/10/2016 09:29

My last child left school 2 years ago we took them out 5 times over their school years 1 was authorised the rest not we didnt have any good reason except once when Dh couldnt get school holidays off the rest of the time it was cheaper to go on holiday last week of term.

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Starlight2345 · 17/10/2016 09:39

You will get people on this forum who don't agree. I have done it..When my DS was in year 1.

My ds had a lot of extra help last year and it would of been wrong to take him out then ..

However so long as you are happy you will not be the only one.

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mouldycheesefan · 17/10/2016 09:44

However do not ask the teacher to give you extra work, lesson plans, worksheets etc. Ypu going on holiday in term time shouldn't make work for the teacher. I take mine out every year as I say. What they miss, they miss.

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