5 days off in first month of Reception???

[EverTheConundrum]

Hi have NC for this. I have a real conundrum which I may regret asking on this particular forum but here goes...

I'm a lone parent to a 4yr old. Have fairly limited income and like most other parents, I'm having to buy uniform this payday (I do get financial help from her father but not loads).

Last month we were scammed by a Caravan owner. It's a long story but basically we ended up with just 2 days in a Haven caravan. I eventually got my money back from the private caravan owner this week (most of it anyway) and so I'm now looking hopelessly to find a last min break for us to make up for the missing week. DD was heartbroken poor kid

Anyway, having scoured Sun Holidays and Breakfree via the Daily Mail (Sorry!) I've found two date options which seem to apply to all parks with availability. Either 2nd Sep for 4 nights or 23rd Sep for 4 nights. DD starts Reception on Friday 6th Sep, however they said I can push it back to 9th if I like; which I was considering doing anyway for reasons I won't go into. So obviously 2nd Sep is obvious choice, right? Only prob, is that I get paid on 20th of each month & Aug 20th is uniform buying time! I'll still have some spare, however this trip would be half way through my pay period! So would likely result in very very limited cash whilst we're there.
However, if we go on 23rd Sep, 3 days after September's pay day, all would be great... BUT it'd mean DD missing 5 whole days of school and despite the possible fine, I'd hate for her to miss out & not be up to date with all that's going on.

What do I do?

Yes, I realise it's a first world problem and no, it really isn't the worst problem I'm dealing with right now - believe me!!

Please be nice

Thanks!

I wouldn't take dc out of school once they start because settling in time is so important when they first start school so I'd go before starting or not at all on those dates.

I've no particular issue with taking them out of school at that age once they are settled but it's such a huge step in my experience & I wouldn't want to upset that process

I wouldn't go. It's such an important time for settling in and friendships.

I wouldn’t go.

Surely it’s better to save the money and add bits to it where possible to make for a better holiday next year?

I've booked a week with our 4 year old in early October. Kids this age don't really notice how many days someone is there or isn't. My child could just as easily be off with a bug in that time and it's the last term time trip we will really ever be able to take.
I was worried when I first booked it but he will be in the system long enough, I'm going to take this last grab of being able to go somewhere with my children and not be fined for the privilege and grab it while I can.

I wouldn't.
Do you have the refund in cash? Can you do 2 or 3 nice weekend days out instead?

OP have you checked with the school when the next second hand uniform sale is, or if you can buy second hand items out of the lost and found? DDs old school used to sell items for 50p each and the money went to the PTA.

Can you go early ,and maybe borrow some cash from Mum if she can afford it do you think?.That way you would be able to go away at the "right "time and have a little spending money(No need to go mad LO will enjoy trips to beach playing at the Caravan pk etc)

Don’t go. She doesn’t need the holiday that is your guilt issue. You can’t afford it and it’s disruptive to her starting school.
Lots of children miss out on holidays and are fine, mine haven’t had one this year either.
Put the money aside and save up for an even better holiday either later in the year or next year. Or take her on a special day out at a weekend.