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Original poster

To take my kids out of school for three weeks

182 replies

scratchingheads · 30/12/2025 15:09

We have an incredible opportunity for a once in a lifetime trip with family next year. It would mean taking my kids out of school for three weeks. They are 4 (reception) and 5 (year one).

It would be one week at end of term and two weeks at beginning of the next term.

Has anyone done this, what are the chances of the school going for it, and what else do I need to consider?

OP posts:
Original poster
scratchingheads · 30/12/2025 15:17

Some really good advice here thank you. We really value real life experiences and my children are unlikely to ever get this opportunity again so feel we have to grab it with both hands.

OP posts:
MugofteaandWordle · 30/12/2025 15:15

Hi, I work in Attendance. Please be honest with the school as this will make life easier all round.

If you have a child aged 5 or over then you will receive a fine of £160 for them charged to both patents but it reduces to £80 each if you pay earlier.

Your cjild aged under 5, you will not receive a fine for as they are not compulsory school aged.

Go for it! No harm will be done

Symra · 30/12/2025 15:14

The chances of the school 'going for it' are about zero as their interest is educating your kids in the weeks they're open.

If the opportunity is so incredible that you don't care if they miss three weeks of learning that happens without them being part of it, then just tell school that's what's happening, and you'll forego what they're providing.

Just don't try to make it more work for them to try to catch your kids up or ensure they get the best of both worlds.

BendingSpoons · 30/12/2025 15:14

I'm pretty sure school will have to put it as an unauthorised absence. If your Reception child is still 4, they will be ok but you will get fined for the 5yo. There was a thread on here a few months ago where someone was being prosecuted for a 3 week absence and was going to end up with a conviction which would show on her DBS for years. I don't think this is typical for a first absence but did sound very stressful.

24Dogcuddler · 30/12/2025 15:14

Agree they can’t authorise it. Might not be a fine for the 4 year old depends when they legally need to be in school. The head teacher will advise you re fines etc.

VickyEadieofThigh · 30/12/2025 15:12

I don't know which country you're in, but no English school headteacher would be able to authorise it. That wouldn't stop you taking them out, obviously.

My greater concern would be the two weeks at the start of a new term, especially if that were also a new school year. Children who miss the first weeks of a new school year can be very disadvantaged by it in a range of both educational and social ways.

Freshstartyear25 · 30/12/2025 15:11

I can’t see why the school will agree to it. It’ll be unauthorised, you’ll need to consider the fine as well. However if you’ll do it, just do and accept responsibility for the fine and any other thing that comes with it.

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