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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To consider a term time holiday of non-educational value to Centerparcs?

21 replies

Ismeyes · 25/06/2011 22:38

Well am I?

I'm not paying twiceprice for a school holiday time, so what are my chances of going to hell on a 1-10 if I just took DD out of school?

OP posts:

Thinking11 · 25/06/2011 22:43

As long as its not the first week back in a new class or during SATS and you dont make a regular thing out of it there is no harm. Your head can authorise 2 weeks holiday absence each year.

I just wish I could take holidays out of school holidays, sadly teachers alwasy have to pay top whack.

worraliberty · 25/06/2011 22:45

That would depend on your Head Teacher and the school policy.

I must admit it's refreshing to see someone admitting it's of non educational value rather than making bullshit excuses like "Oh but it's going to improve their broader view of life no end!"

BurningBridges · 25/06/2011 22:46

Interested to see what response you get on this Ismeyes - I want to take children to USA missing a week of school next year, not sure when obviously will avoid crucial times, but our school has an arrangement with the LEA to impose fines - I think its around £200 per family - for holidays during term time. And I'm a governor. Hmm

Thinking11 · 25/06/2011 22:47

Just take the holiday as a one off. The EWO wont get involved for a matter of a week. Just make sure it doesnt clash with any big school events.

Thinking11 · 25/06/2011 22:48

Is this a private school bridges? what rights have a school got to impose fines?

Triphop · 25/06/2011 22:48

Go for it. Sounds fun.

sallysquirrel · 25/06/2011 22:51

We take our DS out of school to Centre Parks every year and will continue to do so. We love it and family time is very important. We probably will stop when he gets to secondary school.

worraliberty · 25/06/2011 22:51

Thinking you're wrong there...and I can say this as an attendance Governor.

If the OP applies to take her child on holiday and is refused, the Head can and most very likely will make sure a fine is issued.

It's not a case of the EWO having to get involved. The process is now very quick and simple to issue the fines.

Off the top of my head (though I could be wrong) it's around £100 per child, rising to around £150 if not paid within 14 days...after that it's court.

Original poster

Ismeyes · 25/06/2011 22:55

I wouldn't do SATs week and she is only just due to go into year 1. So doubtful it will have any longstanding educational impact. I wouldn't plan to book without authorisation, but what would happen if I decided to home-ed rather than pay a fine, because I'm not exactly against home education. Then the £100 and court could kiss me centreparcs tanned (or not) bum, yes?

OP posts:

BurningBridges · 25/06/2011 22:56

I haven't spent much time looking into it but apparently in our area the local authority issue fines at the headteacher's discretion, this must be some sort of statutory notice as its enforceable in law - bit like a parking ticket. How about the OP - what happens in your area?

worraliberty · 25/06/2011 22:58

Yes if you Home Ed, it's not an issue.

The fines are about school attendance

Thinking11 · 25/06/2011 22:59

It looks like I stand corrected. Only i've worked in the same primary school for 11 years and we've never had anyone fined for attendance. Families that are repeat offenders have had family involvement with EWO but this too is rare.

Most schools I know of are very understanding of the unfairness of the prices charged by travel companies and work in unison with families to ensure all families can afford to spend quality time away without breaking the bank. We do however disagree with families that have several long weekends, missing several mondays or Fridays. Or those who's children have a week away with mum, a week with day, a week with grandparents and then 2 weeks on a last minute deal.

MeconiumHappens · 25/06/2011 22:59

it is of educational value.....if you bore talk about enough tree names and the breeding habit of squirrels and spot some mushrooms etc. Have a great time, i love centreparcs :)

Original poster

Ismeyes · 25/06/2011 23:01

I don't really know what happens in my area, I haven't heard of anyone being fined.

OP posts:

BurningBridges · 25/06/2011 23:02

If there's no fine, just do it, I would!

worraliberty · 25/06/2011 23:03

I have to say 'our' school is more sympathetic to parents whose employers don't give them an option of taking time off during the school hols.

Simply saying it's cheaper doesn't wash with the Head Teacher, she just tells parents to either take a cheaper holiday, or spend longer saving up.

mrsdonkeybucketVAMOSRAFA · 25/06/2011 23:07

Chances of going to hell ? 1 out of 10.

Non-educational ? Suggestions are above, but also what about learning to swim, ride a bike, etc ? Life skills are just as important.

There must be loads to do at CP that could be classed as educational ? And if you wanted to be really conscientious, you could always find out what the topic is while you are there and maybe incorporate it in some way ?

Nothing would happen if you decide to HE, just make sure she is de-reg. from school.

worraliberty · 25/06/2011 23:09

Again though (and I'm only trying to think of what the HT may say)

Learning to swim and ride a bike can be done on a weekend. The child doesn't have to miss a week of school to learn those things.

mrsdonkeybucketVAMOSRAFA · 25/06/2011 23:11

Yes, of course they can. Child doesn't have to miss a week of school full stop. But OP asked if she would be sent to hell for letting her DD miss school.

Was just trying to offer advice and ideas.

HooverTheHamaBeads · 25/06/2011 23:17

Have just been to Centerparcs Belgium for the May half term for less than half the cost to holiday at Centerparcs in the UK.

Mon-Fri break in a premium cottage for 400 euro plus the cost of the crossing.

Just a thought - keeps the cost down while still going in the school holidays.

MrsFruitcake · 26/06/2011 06:30

I took my child out of school unauthorised a month ago and was told by the school head I'd get a fine, but haven't heard anything yet. Considering it was £800 more expensive to take the same holiday in the first week of the summer break, £100 would be a small price to pay.

DD is 7, and we went 2 weeks after her SATs had finished.

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