should I take my son on hols during term time?

[alinosa]

Hi, my son got a place at nursery at a good school, starting in October. That doesn't mean he'll get a place at reception next year but we live really close to the school. I have booked a 3 week holiday to go to South America to see my family after Xmas, so he'll miss about 2 weeks at school. I read an article about taking your children out of school to go on hols in today's The Times and am really confused...Should I tell the school in advance about my holidays? can they say no? will I have to pay a fine? can this holiday lessen our chances to get a place in the school next year? we booked this holiday about 4 months ago, thinking that it was just nursery, so it would ok....help!

[MegBusset]

It's just nursery, he won't miss anything by not being there a couple of weeks - enjoy the last year you don't have to pay school holiday prices!

[PandaG]

the preschool I work in wouldn't bat an eyelid at a 2 week holiday in term time, it is not school but pre-school. please do tell the setting, am pretty sure you won't need to do any more than that and enjoy the holiday!

[PandaG]

and it should not have any impact at all on school place.

[Hassled]

Yes, tell them in advance out of politeness but no, there's nothing compulsory about pre-school education. The fines etc is for repeated absences in much older children - don't panic. He'll learn so much in South America in any case.

[alinosa]

that's great, thank you for the replies!