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Original poster

Low attendance and term time holiday

17 replies

HalfwayToSanity · 04/04/2022 07:49

We had a family holiday booked in 2020; it was re scheduled twice (due to restrictions) to take us to this year. Due to a change in our work schedules it was re booked for term time but we thought we would take the holiday still (for a week) rather than lose the money.

Since then DS has started secondary school and it has not gone as expected. To keep it brief , he has suspected ASD and anxiety and he is now on the pathway to assessment.

As a result of the difficulties he’s faced, his attendance at school has suffered and he’s missed various days, his attendance level is currently in the 80s.

It’s highly unlikely this will improve before our holiday. Will it tip us over in to legal action if we remove him for a holiday?

Changing dates to school holidays is not an option due to work commitments and horrendously increased costs. We will lose all of the money we have paid.

We’re going to have to cancel aren’t we?

OP posts:

rookiemere · 04/04/2022 07:55

I very rarely say this, but could you check how much the fine is and if it's not horrendous, go anyway.

twinkletoesimnot · 04/04/2022 08:02

If he misses 10 sessions (5 days) is one threshold.
I'm not sure, but I think dropping below 80% triggers a visit from the welfare officer in our LA.
Yours may be different.

Tonsiltrouble · 04/04/2022 08:05

I’d work out exactly what the risk is, but there is also an argument that a family holiday could be really good for his well-being. Especially if the day to day is causing such upset.

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kitcat15 · 04/04/2022 08:15

Just pay the fine....I've taken mine out of school various times....usually been fine...not authorised....but no fine....bit there was one time my DDs attendance got low due to having had lots of sickness then we went to Australia.....I got fined for her ( but not the other 2) .....after paying out the money for the trip , the fine was a drop in the ocean.....the next year I pulled her out for a couple of days her attendance was good again and never had another fine

Roselilly36 · 04/04/2022 08:18

Honestly, have the holiday, if you get fined, just pay it, it’s just one week. It will still be cheaper than switching the holiday dates to the school hols etc. Enjoy your holiday, it sound like it will benefit all of you.

Original poster

HalfwayToSanity · 04/04/2022 08:32

We are willing to accept a fine, but we’re concerned about a visit from welfare or even full prosecution.

OP posts:

Phos · 04/04/2022 08:37

The fine is inevitable and it's only about £60. Unfortunately you're probably heading for a visit from welfare anyway from what you've said so if that's the concern you might as well go, you'll get the visit either way.

littleblackno · 04/04/2022 15:56

They are very unlikely to do anything. My daughters attendance is just below 80% due to her MH since covid and I took her out for a holiday.
School are aware and supportive and I haven't had a visit from anyone.
Full prosecution is only likely to happen if you dispute the fine.

Dinoteeth · 04/04/2022 16:01

Op I'd speak with school explain the circumstances and yes a holiday sounds like it would do him the world of good.

AnxiousHeffalump · 04/04/2022 16:03

Is missing more school likely to worry him even more?

TracyMosby · 04/04/2022 16:04

Anything below 92 / 93 is low and impacts results. What is he actually on? Is it closer to 90 or 80?

Rodaliess · 04/04/2022 16:05

@AnxiousHeffalump

Is missing more school likely to worry him even more?

Agree. I know children are all different but my ds would be horrified at the thought of missing more school. He’s already missed 2 weeks due to Covid and at secondary it’s difficult catching up

Quitelikeit · 04/04/2022 16:09

In ten years time he will remember this holiday. He will not remember a single jot of what he learned at school that week though. I doubt it will affects his exam results or even any part of his future so I say go for it!!!!

gogohm · 04/04/2022 16:49

Was it booked in term time all along? In which case accept you will be fined but explain to school that it was transferred from 2020. That said the fact that it's more expensive in school holidays won't get you mitigation but if you have jobs that are refusing to give you time off in the holidays and your workplace is willing to corroborate it may help if you are fined or get asked questions

Original poster

HalfwayToSanity · 05/04/2022 12:10

DS will not have a problem missing school, he doesn’t like to be there at all. He would really like to go on the holiday. I however, don’t want to set a bad example or a precedent. I will talk to school and explain to get a feel of what they think.

OP posts:

BlackAndPinkNose · 05/04/2022 12:15

Given that he has suspected ASD I would argue that a holiday in term time is actually a better option for his needs and school holidays would be busier and potentially too much sensory overload.

OP have the holiday, it will do you all good (and I work in education)

balalake · 05/04/2022 13:13

I think you have made the right decision to talk to the school. Not every school takes the same view about term-time absences.

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