OK, one vote each...

[ClockWatchingLady]

Should schools/LEAs allow parents to take children out of school for a holiday (once per year, say) during term time?

There's been plenty of debate already, so let's just have a little show of hands so we can count up...

I say YES.

Yes only if good attendance

Yes as long as it didn't clash with exams.

Good attendance could be part of what is considered by the HT when using their discretion, and then they can also take into consideration long standing health problems in the children concerned.

But generally yes, it would be great to see more carrot and less stick in the approach to encouraging good attendance. If people knew that general good attendance and punctuality might be rewarded with the potential for favourable consideration of requests for holiday leave at some point that might work well as an incentive for some?

YES

No

Yes subject to good attendance record and schools have the right to stop hols during crucial periods.

Yes

YES.

No (apart from special circumstances.)

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes
I'm a teacher - I don't think I should get time of in term time...it's my job; this is a weak argument from teachers imo.
But - subject to grades and attendance.

Yes!

... and No!

Judge each case on its merits. It's not going to start a trend if one family in a class decide to take their child away for a week, and teachers might be prepared to give them work to do while they're away (I'm a teacher).

I always insist on a 5,000 word report (in the language of the country they have visited) on their return. Or at least a power point presentation, with lots of photos, and a few local delicacies for us all to taste.

If we all did this, btw, the government would soon decide to lean on the travel companies to stop overcharging in the summer.

So, OP, put me down as a Yes!

I guess I'll have to vote NO. But I do think holidays should be allowed during the last week or two of the summer term. My (now mid-late teen) kids have never done anything much then other than watch dvds and kick their heels.

Love the go camping suggestions! we had a weeks camping in august 2012. It rained. Our tent blew down. We could not get dry. We had to come home. We still love camping but only go spur of the moment when its sunny. Never again will I rely on a camping trip as our annual holiday.
I can't afford a trip abroad in school hols.
Who do you think you are to suggest that is all I should have with my lovely family is a soggy week under canvass.
Yes is my answer.
To all the 'cut your cloth' etc posters .. if I wasn't such a charmer i'd tell you all to fuck off!

yes

Anyone counting?
Seems about 50/50?

No.

I will count! Can't yet because on phone, but will present percentages this evening

I think the Yeses are winning

NO!

I think the yeses are winning to!