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Taking kids out 2 1/2 days early for summer holiday

6 replies

catmadmum · 04/03/2017 00:39

My kids are in yr 2 and 5. Looking at booking a particular campsite for summer holiday and their availability is really limited now (should have booked last month ). In the summer my kids school breaks up at 1.30 on 19th July (a Wednesday). As we're driving to Spain I'd rather start the journey on a Saturday and have 2 nights to break the journey there and back and camp from Monday for 12 nights then 2 nights stops driving home.. Essentially make use of the 2 weekends either side and have a better break from work. The campsite I want to go to is fully booked beyond 31st July so i cant go for 12 nights from Mon 24th iyswim. DH and I discussed tonight taking kids out of school 2 1/2 days early before holidays start and taking advantage of the 2 weekends either side of a 12 day camp. I'm not too worried about the schools reaction. The head is pretty relaxed and I know of plenty of parents who seem to do this every holiday. I'm just trying to gain options. Do you really think they would miss much education in the 2 1/2 days before end of summer term. I'm not comfortable doing this as not taken them out before but otherwise I probably won't book this holiday. I work f/t and would kick myself going on holiday Wednesday to Wednesday and only having one weekend away. Sorry for the ramble.

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Girlsinthegarden · 04/03/2017 07:56

They'll miss fun stuff and not much learning. I'd definitely take them out.

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Everytimeref · 04/03/2017 07:58

Take them out. All they will miss is stripping walls and playing games!

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user789653241 · 04/03/2017 09:15

A lot people do it at our school. Even TA(with her kids in the school) does it.
I am thinking about it too. As long as you are prepared to pay fines when LA decided to fine you, I think it's up to you. Last few days at school is just fun stuff, no learning at our school.

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user789653241 · 04/03/2017 09:21

There is a thread about being fined for 2 days at the moment, so just be aware, and be prepared.

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roguedad · 05/03/2017 12:48

Talk to the head to try and get it authorised but be prepared for a fine if not. They won't miss anything right at the end of term. I'm sick to death of the attendance fascists. Our head likes to stigmatise kids with health problems by making a huge song and dance about kids with 100% at prize giving. Puke.

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catmadmum · 05/03/2017 23:29

Thanks everyone for your replis. I wasn't expecting those answers tbh. I can think of lots of parents at our school who take extra days at every holiday as they are from the US so travel home or go skiing in term time etc. The head seems pretty relaxed although these things change all the time I guess.