To take my dc out of school for a free holiday?

[JadeJaderson]

I'm very much by the book usually. we've never taken the dc out of school during term time and always book holidays in the holidays.

But...I entered a competition a couple of weeks ago and have won a free 5 night stay in a holiday park (similar to Centre Parks type thing).

The con is it's in October, smack in the middle of term.

It's somewhere we've wanted to go for a couple of years but never have because a weeks holiday there in the school holidays costs more than a week abroad. So the week in Spain invariably wins. And I'd never have dreamed of booking a holiday during TT.

But I've won it, it's there for the taking and the total package is worth about £400.

Wibu to take them out? What about all you rule abiders who, like me, would never book during term time. Would a free holiday sway you?

It is absolutely not £60 per session per day. Now THAT would be a deterrent.

goblin

there are thousands upon thousands of families with preschoolers or babies who would benefit from a holiday.

and I completely get why they wouldn't want to loose a fully paid place in their busy period on a freebie holiday they donated to the people running g the competition.

not their problem if people enter who then can't take it. down to those entering to sort it out.

I'd take them out, but be honest as everyone else has said. Mind you that is speaking as someone who missed the whole second half of the summer term every year between the ages of 6 and 14 as we lived in a very hot country and my mother wanted to get home to England for the summer before it got too unbearable . It hasn't noticeably affected my education level though!

Don't go. If you can be bothered, ask the company why they set the hols for those dates.

I would go. I used to take DD out of school until year 3 anyway. I wouldn't now because she has just started year 11.

Tell the truth and pay the fine.

"ask the company why they set the hols for those dates"

They wouldn't set dates during holiday time because they are probably booked up. Free holidays are always during the quiet period when they can't get full bookings. It's supply and demand.

I'd go no hesitation they are 5 and 7 not sitting exams. I wouldn't lie. I'd check with school or LA re when fine will kick in and if you can avoid do it eg Monday am registration but if not just pay the fine. Such a shame to miss it - at DD school they would be happy you have won and authorise it (private school - seems so unfair only state school parents get fined but I'm not complaining)

Competition may have been open to all UK residents. Some Scottish schools are off mid October, my dd breaks up in England 16th for 2 weeks. I know from being on thedibb (Florida holiday forum) that October hols vary across UK.

I would go.

I would go....but then I do take my kids out of school for occasional holidays and never been fined.

I believe it should be up to the parents. both kids are above average performers and have great attendance so few days every couple of years doesn't make a huge difference.

I'd definitely go, there's no way I'd let the government dictate to me about holidays. If they don't want you to go away in term time they should force holiday companies to keep their prices consistent. It's them who should get the fine.

I always check the T&Cs for holiday competitions and 99% of them are aimed at families but exclude school holidays in the period you're able to take the holiday.

I've often wondered if DH would get the time off if we won such a holiday, let alone DC. But as I haven't won one yet, I wouldn't know.

Thanks for all the replies.

I've checked with our LEA and the fine is £60 per child after 10 unauthorised sessions, but only if it takes the attendance in that academic year under 90%. As they'll only have been in school 6 weeks, it will definitely take them below 90%.

So...I think I'm going to do what someone suggested, be honest but take them to school Monday morning and pick them up just before lunch, so will only be 9 sessions missed

To the person who asked why I entered - it wasn't something I put a lot of thought into. I'm on their monthly email newsletter because I'd enquired with them before. It was just a link on the email, click and enter your names (of the whole family) and answer one question. I didn't even think about what dates they would offer winners tbh, they must have had hundreds of people enter so never thought I'd win!

I'd go in a heat beat. My kids have been out 4 times this year.

I went on numerous holidays as a kid and it did me no harm.

Life experience and family time is massively underrated.

No government in this land will tell me when I can or can't go on holiday.

I'd go for sure!