To think that I can take my dd out of school for a holiday next year

[zofranks]

My DD starts reception next year, because she is classed as a summer baby reception isn't compulsory but we are sending her from September anyway, so with that in mind could we take her out of school for a week to go on holiday or is that a huge no-no because now she is in school it becomes compulsory? That father won in court the other week because they argued his daughter had regularly attended school, would we get fined or just told off do you reckon?

[dementedpixie]

If you choose to send her then you shouldn't take her out. There are plenty of school holidays you could use

[HackerFucker22]

If she is in school then she should adhere to the school rules.

[MumOnTheRunCatchingUp]

Let someone else have her school place if you can't be bothered and are comparing court cases already!

[MumOnTheRunCatchingUp]

Let someone else have her school place if you can't be bothered and are comparing court cases already!

[afussyphase]

Oh the rules, the rules. Actually the rule, as far as I know, is that the draconian attendance policing starts the term after they turn 5. So go ahead but be polite to the school about it; you'll be interacting with them for years to come...

[zofranks]

hmm thought I would get a roasting, glad I have you lot to ask, guess we will holiday in holiday time then - really wish the government would do something about prices though, it's bloody daylight robbery taking a holiday when you have kids at school!

[Mishaps]

Take her out for goodness sake - she is barely out of nappies. Let her have a good time. The government cannot take over all your parental responsibilities and tell you what you should be doing with your own child - who is, after all, under school age. To hell with them - let her have some fun with her parents.

[AdvocateNotAdvocat]

Why should Government do something about it OP?

[meditrina]

As she is under compulsory school age, you cannot be fined.

All other attendance management procedures can however be activated.

You do not have to enrol your DC in a state school at all, or do so before compulsory school age. But once you choose to start them, then they are expected to attend.

There are 175 days when children are not in school - weekends and 14 weeks holidays - so lots of times available (though you might have to lower your sights in terms of what is affordable if you can no longer secure off-peak discounts). Or perhaps fit in a good (off-peak) holiday between now and July (or whenever schools in your area break up).

[InternationalHouseofToast]

When are you thinking of going? I'd avoid September / October as childre nare still settling into friendship groups and it would be unfair for your DD to miss school whilst those changes are taking place.

As a parent with a summer born child, you get no other advtanges to being the youngest in the class, so make the most of the advantage you do get and take them out whilst you aren't fined. All that will happen is that your DD will miss out on the 99% attendance certificate in June. Meh.

[snorepatrol]

Her education isn't compulsory until the term after she turns 5 anc at her age what is she going to miss really? I'd take her.

[AndNowItsSeven]

Yanbu your dd does not legally have to be there. There are seperate registers for ncsa children.

[allowlsthinkalot]

You absolutely can. You can send her part time all year if you wish which is what I plan to do. So that's two days off a week all year.

[ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets]

I took mine when he was 4, exact same situation as you.
School said for the form they had to say 'unauthorised' but that they didn't really care and that there's nothing anyone can do.

In fact, we're doing it again this year. He's a year ahead in his progress and when it stays that way, we'll continue to take him out for a week.

I know I'll get a flaming, but he still talks about his weeks holiday 6 months later, magical memories that can't be replaced.

[ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets]

I took mine when he was 4, exact same situation as you.
School said for the form they had to say 'unauthorised' but that they didn't really care and that there's nothing anyone can do.

In fact, we're doing it again this year. He's a year ahead in his progress and when it stays that way, we'll continue to take him out for a week.

I know I'll get a flaming, but he still talks about his weeks holiday 6 months later, magical memories that can't be replaced.