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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think ONE holiday ONCE in term time should be allowed

201 replies

SilverStreak7 · 09/09/2013 16:02

Basically we booked to go away on a Sun Break (don't buy and newspaper but did buy for the vouchers) and only date we were given was next weekend .. We didn't think it would cause a major problem as my older two , when younger, came on two such holidays with us with no problems .. Now though Im given a letter (with a form to fill in) and letter says if permission is denied Id be liable to a fine or court action .. Some will say we have had six weeks for holidays, which is true, but Im on a limited income as only me and my boys and term time holidays are very expensive and I want them to at least have one holiday away . . This will not be a regular thing . ,probably won;t go again in term time.

To be more reasonable I have said if Homework is given I will make sure it is done and ready to be handed in on Tuesday

OP posts:
Original poster
SilverStreak7 · 09/09/2013 16:26

Im sorry but I only joined here yesterday and all I see are some being sanctimonious, bullying (not to me but on another thread) and plain bombastic . . If that causes me to come across aggresively perhaps the posters who post in such manners should step back at look at themselves.
Yes, to the person who said their Boss went Butlins it is feasible and Ill discuss this with my Mum should permission not be granted , Thank You :)

OP posts:
Original poster
SilverStreak7 · 09/09/2013 16:27

I also swear I saw admins say attack the post if need be not the poster . Undertones here are attacking me and my parenting.

OP posts:
SuperiorCat · 09/09/2013 16:28

Agree with Zing, but will add a third option - if you don't like the rules, then withdraw your children from school and educate them yourself at home.

Original poster
SilverStreak7 · 09/09/2013 16:28

What do you mean by that ? Many Children ? I have FOUR .. The youngest are 12 and 9 . My oldest two are now adults of 22 and 20

OP posts:
McNewPants2013 · 09/09/2013 16:28

Rightsaid the law states a child needs an education, if you apply for a school place then the child is by law got to attend unless they are ill.

HE has to be approved by the LEA and they can come and check if a child is getting a sutiable education if not the parent will be given a School attendance orders.

RightsaidFreud · 09/09/2013 16:28

Might be being cynical, but as 'disruptive' as it is to take a child on holiday during term time, I don't think that the first thing the school thinks about when allowing/not allowing you to go. I think a large part of it is to do with the league tables, doesn't look great for the school if they have absences, for whatever reason.

DidoTheDodo · 09/09/2013 16:29

Or perhaps just disagreeing with the notion of taking children out of school for a holiday?

HeySoulSister · 09/09/2013 16:29

op,you are coming across as rude!

can you afford the fine if you just take them?

Sirzy · 09/09/2013 16:30

Silver - which posts have attacked you? I haven't see any.

People have said they don't agree with taking children out of school for holidays that is all. I agree with them, its frustrating that places hike prices during the holidays but thats life and its a supply and demand thing and nothing new. Its the reason my childhood holidays were all camping whilst others were going abroad (which were great holidays!) as it was what my parents could afford.

BrokenSunglasses · 09/09/2013 16:31

Well I guess you have DHs or DPs who earn megamoney so can go away anywhere during holidays . ..

Right! Because we couldn't possibly earn money oursleves, or go on cheap day trips, or even God Forbid, just not go on holiday!

LaurieFairyCake · 09/09/2013 16:31

Well yes, 4 is 'many' and yes a massive age gap.

You seem to be taking offense very quickly at not very much tbh.

Your 12 year old is at secondary and really can't miss a week. It matters a bit less at primary.

Original poster
SilverStreak7 · 09/09/2013 16:33

Maybe its because my own parents , when I was younger, took me for holidays far longer in September . .They done what they thought was right and I never fell behind in school , ,I caught up just fine and come exam time got good grades . .. If it comes to it I will withdraw them and home school them .. I suppose you will attack my parents now ? In fact do and say what you want . . never come across a more judgemental forum EVER . Bye now , , Happy Bitching !

OP posts:
DameDeepRedBetty · 09/09/2013 16:33

Silver, you've said you only joined MN yesterday... It's not normally considered a good idea to post ANYTHING in AIBU for at least six months Grin. There's a reason why this site is sometimes called a Nest of Vipers!

PeterParkerSays · 09/09/2013 16:35

I don't agree with you going on a Sun holiday - mainly because those people I know who've been on one had to pay to upgrade when they got there because the accommodation was very "basic" so they're a swizz, but you're right about the cost of holidays though.

We laughed long and hollow when we saw how much even static van holidays are during the summer holidays (DS has just started school) so we've bought a tent to go on holiday in that, which is much cheaper. Is a 2nd hand tent an option for you, off Gumtree? If you get a site near the beach / with woods etc and go during school holidays, there are loads of other kids around to play with so you can stay on site and it doesn't cost so much on trips out.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/09/2013 16:35

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Sirzy · 09/09/2013 16:36

If your are finding this judgemental then yes perhaps leaving is a good idea.

I guess you wanted "oh it will be fine just go and have fun hun" type responses?

strokey · 09/09/2013 16:36

Don't panic, all schools say that now. You wont be fined. Its a worst case scenario. IN THEORY after repeated unauthourised absences you COULD get a court date. But not until you've had a visit from the education welfare officer.

Take them, a holiday as a family is priceless

GreatNorthRoad · 09/09/2013 16:37

Laurie, that was horrible and op is right to feel attacked.

Op the rules have changed and some heads are getting all excited about their new power, but schools themselves don't issue the fines and the lea isn't going to for 2days where attendance is otherwise good.

My preference would be to go after school Fri as i do think taking them out is disruptive. It also gives mixed messages about the importance of school, but you don't need to worry about fines though.

pinkdelight · 09/09/2013 16:38

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LaurieFairyCake · 09/09/2013 16:39

It wasn't horrible.

OP said she was leaving because she thought people were attacking her and would start to attack her parents!

How odd is that!

glastocat · 09/09/2013 16:39

In primary school I don't think it's a problem, and I am very glad where I live schools are much more laid back about this kind of thing, and teachers don't seem to have any problems with pupil absences and group work. In fact we had a a long weekend away camping a couple of months ago and the teacher called me over to give me a few recommendations and tell me he wished he was coming too. Grin

HeySoulSister · 09/09/2013 16:43

well no great loss there then!

ouryve · 09/09/2013 16:46

You're not really doing yourself any favours, silver streak. You're being rude to people whose background you have not the first idea about and you're coming across as extremely entitled.

Morebiscuitsplease · 09/09/2013 16:47

Go, two days off is not a problem. There are folk who do not send their kds school and they should be fined. NOT hardworking families whose kids have good attendance. I think the government is completely OTT with this. So many parents work hard and holidays are valuable family time.
I await the flaming ;)

Bowlersarm · 09/09/2013 16:47

Omg, what a strange strange reaction from the op. Weird. Op starts a thread, posters don't agree but mildly, OP gets really arsey, then buggers off telling us we're judgmental, bitchy and apparently we're about to attack her parents Confused.

I am left scratching my head in bewilderment.