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Original poster

Taking kids out of school for a term

259 replies

Whenthechipshitthefan · 13/08/2024 16:37

Possibly the wrong place to post- if so sorry!
Has anyone had any success in taking their kids (legally!) out of school for a term or even a half term. I want to take 2 x DDs (Yr 4, Reception) to my mums country for a long stay. They don't know the culture and I'm aware that we are all losing that connection. The flights are expensive, and it takes at least 24hrs to get there. Its a big country so that if we go over I want them to see a lot, experience a lot and see everyone.

Has anyone applied and been successful? Is it just headteacher opinion that matters? What can I promise to keep their place and not get taken to court. Happy to pay a fine!

OP posts:
MadCatandBirdLady · 13/08/2024 16:46

Where are you travelling to and what term ?

Werweisswohin · 13/08/2024 16:45

Might it be a better idea to wait until next summer? You'll hopefully be able to get the required 6 weeks then.

Summertoohot · 13/08/2024 16:45

Because schools are judged so harshly on absence by OFSTED, I don't think they would keep a place for half a term if they have another child on the waiting list for that year group. It's a big risk that your children would have to go to another school on their return.

mytuppennyworth · 13/08/2024 16:44

You can be taken off role after two weeks of unauthorised absence

Original poster
Whenthechipshitthefan · 13/08/2024 16:44

Not Australia- more of a multiple flights required to get to/culture shock type country

OP posts:
Original poster
Whenthechipshitthefan · 13/08/2024 16:42

What I had heard was anything more than half a term would mean de-enrollment. So a half term (plus holidays) would be sensible.
Summer holidays is the worst time to go as much of the country will be inaccessible for weeks at a time

OP posts:
tennesseewhiskey1 · 13/08/2024 16:42

that is a lot of school to miss - you will probably lose the place.

Bushmillsbabe · 13/08/2024 16:40

Half a term is 6 weeks, could you take them during the long summer holidays?

I think that's a lot of school to miss, and the head would be within their rights to take them off roll. Whether they actually will depends on how your headteacher is and your relationship with them.

I'm guessing it's Australia or similar if 24 hours away. Do your children have citizenship in that country and could they attend school while there?

Thelondonone · 13/08/2024 16:39

They won’t keep your space, you will be removed from roll. However, if it’s not oversubscribed you can reapply on your return. They can’t ‘hold your place’ as they won’t receive funding.

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