To book a holiday in term time

[Specialmeasuresofgin]

My Mum has a terminal condition and wants to go back to the one place she loves one last time.

For various reasons we can only go at the end of August or beginning week of September.

Last year the children didn't start back until around the 12th September which would be fine however despite repeatedly asking school are still unable to tell me when the children return for year ten this year other than it might not be the same.

The longer we wait the more the cost is going up to a point we won't be able to afford it and I'm getting annoyed.

Aibu to book that first week of September given they weren't in last year on those dates and they can't tell me for this year given it is now May and they should have decided by now?

Probably but still

Yanbu, they Abu to not be able to tell you - that's crazy! Book it quick.

Contact the LEA with a letter explaining your situation and tell them you will send them copies of drs letters. Why can't you go any earlier

How on earth can your school not know when they are going back in September yet? Are you sure they really don't and you're not just talking to the wrong person?

LEAs usually publish their holidays years in advance. Why the uncertainty about September?
I am against taking children out of school for holidays, but if the circumstances are as you describe- terminally ill mum on mercy trip, unable to travel at other times, school unable to confirm dates, has been holiday period in past, then I would go ahead and book the trip.

Very sorry about your Mum.
Have you tried the LA website? The LA I worked for always published term dates almost a year in advance. I know schools also have INSET days but it should give you a rough idea.
Who have you spoken to at the school? A head of year might have a better idea than a random receptionist.
YANBU to be getting frustrated. Can you really not go any earlier though, just thinking that it may be hard to predict how quickly your Mum's health deteriorates.

We have all of next years term dates. That's not on. How can they not know.

Just go ahead and book it, esp given the circumstances

Have a look on your local LEA website, they should list this & next year's dates. But I'd go and book and not think twice about it! Somethings are more important than a few days missed school, enjoy your trip away x

for your mum.
I'd book it and go and send in a sick note.
Your mum more important.

I've rang twice in the last week and been told they haven't been set yet.
It's a free school/UTC so LA can't help

Hi OP I find it so sad that this is what we have come to with the current school holiday policy that people in your position have the added burden of worrying about schools.

Its madness, book the holiday without a thought and enjoy it. I am sorry in our society we have come to this.

I'm very surprised that schools didn't go back until 12th September last year-we weren't back on the 2nd! They must have used all 5 training days in the first week.

Our dates are on the school council, can't you find them? Tell us what LEA you are and I'm sure someone can find them.

Why can't you book it for the end of August? You've said you can go then, it won't clash with school, no problem surely?

BOOK IT NOW, you're reasons are good and you may regret it if you don't , I done the same thing a few years ago and our school was fine with it

I agree. The schools usually have this school year's term dates, AND next year. Just book it and to heck with it.

12th Sept start is quite late btw.

Lady it is the last week of August running into the 3rd September or the week beginning 4th of September that we want but I can't book any dates which run into September as school don't know the dates and couldn't say if those weeks where OK.

Last year the younger end started on the 12th and the older ones the week after but they don't know this year yet.

Well even without your special and very sad situation (sorry to hear about your Mum) I would find the school's tardiness at setting term dates extremely annoying. There could be lots of parents looking at that end of the school holiday and being uncertain what to do.

There lack of organization is inexcusable.

If you have asked several times to no avail I would just go ahead and book for when you want it and then INFORM them that in the absence of any timely response from them about these dates you WILL be taking your children away that week.

I agree with 5foot5. Just book it.

I think you will be fine if you book the first week you mention. 3rd September is a Sunday - I imagine most schools don't go back until 4th at the earliest (except in Scotland) whether private, academy or LEA.

I really can't understand why they don't know yet though. Surely their own staff need to know as well?

Just book it and to hell with the school they are just taking the piss your probably not the only parent wanting to arrange a holiday and you can't because of the schools messing. Book the holiday and inform the school of the date that you will be back.

go for it!

Just book it. Even if they are back, a one off week off school isn't going to harm their total education. This trip is an important one.

for your sad situation.

Assuming you're in England, it's probably best to write to school(s) seeking authorisation to take child(ren) out of school on the basis of exceptional circumstances (and spell out what those are eg last chance for child(ren) to see GM) for your preferred dates before you book. I did this and it was not a problem. At the very least they can give you authorisation in principle should the term time start earlier than expected. That way you will have some certainty and won't be worrying about it at a time when you have plenty of other things to think about. Hope this works out for you.

Just do it, OP. And don't ask MN to validate your life choices.