Taking my son out of school for 5 days but not sure how to word email

[stressedandamess]

So I know I may get abuse but hey ho. I'll do bullet points, it will be easier
13 year old son who has ADHD was bullied in his old high school since year 7. (5 year old daughter is coming too)
I have moved him to a better school and he is so much happier but still has nightmares.
Been there since 2nd week in September
I am a single parent and we have never been on holiday.
I found a cheap holiday for Turkey and we go on 16th November for 5 days
I'm debating to put this in the email to the new school or shall I just say we are going and thats it. I dont want to be rude and theyve really helped him since hes started there.

I don't plan to take him away again during term time and I know I will get a fine but I think he really needs this and so do I tbh, its been a nightmare few years.

I'd appreciate any advice

I once had a child go to India for weeks for a family wedding (mum got end of term date wrong and thought she was missing 3 days, turned out to be 8). Mum asked if she could join live lessons via teams and have work set on there.

Er NO. Either you’re on holiday or you’re in school.

covid has a lot to answer for (still!)

Keep it factual, it is what it is. Advise them he will be not in from X date until X date due to a family holiday. What else do you need to say? They don’t need war and peace and then let them do whatever they need to do. Don’t ask as others have suggested though for work whilst off, you don’t get to have your cake and eat it, if you are knowingly taking your child out during term time then it is not the school’s responsibility to provide something in lieu of this just because you are not in, they have got enough to do.

Forcast for Dalaman area is 15 to 22. It was 15c in London yesterday. Not beach or unheated out door pool temp.

The weather won’t be great in November in Turkey and short days too!

Just remember you will get 2 sets of fines for the 5 days of both your kids missing, so just account for those in your budget

I'd not be going turkey in November op
Missing point I know

Just make sure you check the travel advice and get really good insurance before you go, there is a lot of unease around Turkey right now, which is why the holidays are quite cheap at the moment.

They’re quite cheap because it’s the end of the season!

Cheaper than elsewhere due to the safety factor.

I know I am bimbo central when it comes to holidays. Haven’t done it much in my years and defo not with kids.
when I checked for half term dates it was over 2.5k for me two kids one week all inclusive so I tried a random date and it came down to £1845 which was more doable on my salary so I took it. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Ah ok, so the £160 fine still makes it cheaper then. Just make sure you pay it in the timeframe!

You just tell them the dates and swallow the fine. If his ADHD and trauma profile mean he struggles with busy places etc you could use this reason for term time and not be fined but if that’s not the case please do not use that reason as it makes it harder for those who genuinely have that reason to get permission. I take my nd kids out of school term time once a year to go on holiday but we have to go to the same place in the uk and never could they handle an airport. I’ve never been fined but I think my kids needs are obvious and the school was just glad not to have them attend that week

Turkey season is normally the last week of Oct and they only stay open that long for England’s half term.

It doesn't really matter what you say, it will be unathorised and you are likely to get a fine
Just send in a note a few days beforehand saying that DS will not be in school between these dates and then if you get fined pay up without complaining.
I am not saying don't do it but please don't whine if there are consequencees

tbh sounds a bit of a mess. If you like sightseeing Istanbul and coastal Turkey would be fantastic given its history but be careful Istanbul the men can get quite handy with women especially public transport. But if you’re looking for beach holiday you might find it disappointing. Cheap or not if your strapped for cash it might not be best use of your money. Make sure you check foreign office guidance re safety and keep your wits about you.

Oh mate. That is not cheap, I’ve paid less in summer! It’ll be cold and wet and lots of places closed. Can you cancel or move the dates?

No it’s not since that was for a week! OP is going for 5 days in bloody November 😬 honestly, change it for the holidays

Just inform the school when you are going and when your child will be back. Nothing more to say.

That's what I've done previously some agree some don't that's life.

Agree with others that I wouldn’t be taking him out of school now. He’s only just settling it. But sounds like you’ve already booked it. Be warned though that it won’t be hot in November and a lot of hotels close down pools, water slides etc for the winter.

id request permission actually, for an authorised absence. Taking holidays out of peak periods can be considered a reasonable adjustment for ND kids. See here: https://supportsendkids.org/question/1694862677835

Looking at Easter, flights to dalaman with easyJet including a case are coming in at less than £650 for 3 of you. I’m getting Sunset Club Beach Villas including breakfast for £440 for the week. That’s from 6th April. If you really want all inclusive then Tui Blue is coming in at £1150.

We just did this. I didnt write much just that my dd needs a break with family and she will catch up the work. To my surprise the school said they will NOT fine me on this occasion (6 days missed).

No SEN. She is 13.

So pleased. Go for it.

Don't ask for work. We know they won't do it...

Thank you @lighteningthequeen Ill mention this and see what they say.

Yep I fully expect the fines and will pay them.
We are going to Antalya. I’m gutted it may be a bit dead but it will be nice to be away from the norm for once and not to have to cook

@Rituelec thats great! Would be nice if I get this outcome

@NConthe i think it may be too late to move the dates. We fly on 16th November 🤦🏽‍♀️

I hope that you have a decent holiday - you should do for the amount you’re paying to go there in November! That’s a pricey holiday for five days - I could get a cheaper seven day break in the school holiday period tbh.