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.

No

At the HT's discretion.

As it used to be.

No

Yes

Sorry.

No. Unless it is for something that is immovable- a wedding, for example. Or a specific event.

YES

No.

Yes in primary, No in secondary. One vote isn't enough!

Yes if it's in the last week of term and attendance is usually good.

Yes.

No. Only special circumstances (definitely not every year) and number of days needs to be justified.

No. Parents should pay the actual cost of the state education they're missing including any pupil premium on a pro rata basis.

Exemption for armed forces and funerals etc.

What about parents with a fixed shift pattern. No choice of when break between shift cycles is? I feel this should be considered but alas it is not. So yes providing people are not taking the piss, good attendance in general etc.

No

No. Only exception for something like a close relative funeral or parents work in armed forces and restricted leave.

Yes in primary, no in secondary - though I think an odd day or two at the end or start of term should be allowed.

No. Not for a week or two in the sun. Can't afford an expensive break? Go camping!
Funeral, one off family occasion, trip of a lifetime, wedding of close family member. Bit different!

Yes

No.

No. Not for an annual holiday, unless there are special circumstances.

I do think the HT should have the power to authorise holidays in those special circumstances though.

No

Yes, at HT's discretion.

Yes - this was the case when I was at school and my parents took me out of school for two weeks every year in June until I was about 13. It was never an issue. Agree with others that attendance/grades should be a prerequisite (or attendance at least).

Yip