to think its unfair that its 'term time' holidays or no holidays for alot of familes?

[TotorosOcarina]

So they can either run the risk of getting a fine and a bollocking or them, and their kids get no holiday at all?

I'm talking about myself here

We don't do holidays abroad, we don't even do nice cottage holidays.

The last few years we have gone to Haven for 4 nights ina caravan. And the kids bloody love it.

2 years ago we just had DS1 in nursery so went in term time.

Last year we only had DS in school, in reception, so he had 5 days off 'sick' and we went in term time.

This year we have 2 kids in school and I don't think we can risk taking them both out.

If we went in a few weeks time, term time, it would be £99 for 4 nights in a 'superior' caravan.

If we go in either the easter holidays or anytime from june onwards its nearer to £500.

I just think its unfair.

I'm not sure WHO i am saying is being unfair. The schools for having a blanket policy on no holidays (my kids never have time off, i can see them not allowing families who continually have time off for their kids) or the holiday companies who increase the prices 5 fold when school closes.

I just feel sad.

My kids don't really do much. We live in Manchester, have no car, don't have spare money very often and when we do its £1 cinema and a 2 for 1 pub lunch that we go for.

These little holidays really are the highlight of the year for them and I don't think we can do it this year.

We used the following website to find a good UK campsite www.ukcampsite.co.uk/. We stayed near Portsmouth as there's loads to do including the historic dockyard. We do have a car though.

We're 'lucky' in that we aren't restricted to the school holidays but the time will come when DD is in school and we will have to. Although, I'm thinking that home schooling is full of positives

My DH is a primary teacher. The last time we went abroad was 2004, i.e before mortgage, kids etc! My parents both work in school as support staff too. What we usually do now is book a self-catering cottage in Scarborough for a week, usually for £600, and all go together, so split the cost 50-50 between us. We've only just got a car in the last six months too, so we've always gone up on the train with all our stuff. My DH's school usually authorise up to 10 days a year for kids to go on holiday on term time. When I was growing up we only went on holiday about three times ever, but never felt sad about it. I think children just get used to their circumstances with holidays.

Have you tried hoseasons? they have some really good deals. In October half term we had 3 nights in devon for £120 and in easter breask we are going to west sand in selsey for £99 for 4 nights (booking direct on the bunn leisure site would of cost over £300 for the same dates).