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.

Yes

No, but there ought to be some discretion for exceptional circumstances.

Yes

No but exceptional circumstances should apply including (but not limited to):

• Bereavement/family terminal or severe illness
• Family visiting from overseas
• Army families
• Emergency services families
• Families where the children are young carers (my dad's illness meant we couldn't go away during the busy times, and being able to go on holiday and forget our caring duties for a while helped us to cope the rest of the time)
• Weddings/funerals/reunions/events like that.

no

Yes if it's a funeral, close family member's wedding etc

No if it's because you think you're entitled to a week in the sun and can't afford school holiday prices.

Yes.

Yes

Yes, up to Yr9, after that there's too much to catch up on.

YES

I'm a teacher in France, it's still an acceptable thing to do here (technically we can threaten the parents with a benefits cut, but we don't do it unless it's a real piss take, ie months on end).

Yes if it doesn't clash with exams.

Yes, as long as general attendance is good and the holiday isn't for a month.

No. Holidays are a luxury, not a necessity.

Yes.

Yes

Can the teachers opt for holidays during term time too, so they can enjoy cheaper rates? That would be good.
"My child learns so much on holiday with me when we visit new places, it's such an educational experience". Erm, sitting on a beach/ by the pool and eating in the local English style pub, yes defo a reason to miss school.

No. Primary fair enough, not secondary. In DD2's secondary they sit GCSEs from year 9, you can't just go ahead and miss a week or two. It holds the rest of the class back if teacher has to devote time and attention to helping absent kids catch up.

No.

My DS is yr 1 so i think 5 days off for the first and last time is not a big ask.

And yes, it is to just go on holiday, he may learn about fiching with his grandad but other than that it will be one big swimming lesson!

Once DT's are at school I will be pleased to see the back of them five days a week ;)

No.

Yes

Yes, if good attendance & not during certain times such as exams.

Just before Xmas or summer hols would be a less crucial times. Or maybe teachers could cluster their strikes & let us know in advance the dates when they feel it's not important four our kids to be in school.