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Original poster

lets start a campaign! parents rights to take kids on hoilday

185 replies

jayne222 · 14/07/2011 23:05

just want to rant a bit how unfair that schools no longer permit family holidays, the authorised absence thing is ridiculous for infant and junior children, the letter following and "unauthorised absence is threatening and rude, the fines are insulting and I feel mad about it!! I want to take a a short family holiday when it suits my family, I want to be concientious and make sure my child doesnt miss out on schooling, but this no longer feels like a free country!!

OP posts:
SpottyFrock · 20/07/2011 11:11

Actually, Im astounded that parents dont think its rude and rather cheeky to expect the class teacher to set work or help their child catch up. Taking them out is one thing but expecting the school to do extra to make sure the child hasn't missed anything is unacceptable.

RabbitTeeth · 20/07/2011 11:11

spotty - am right with you on the setting of work or catching up. Would never complain about school being closed. We love a day off!

Sirzy · 20/07/2011 11:11

The fact you feel the need to lie to the school says you know it's wrong. If your happy to do it then why lie?

ragged · 20/07/2011 11:14

Is it reasonable to expect... nay INSIST on taking a holiday, even if the only way you can manage (afford or get time off) to take the only type of holiday you want, is to cause your DC to miss school sessions?

AIBU to think that smacks of a distorted sense of entitlement? Or is taking a holiday (that is the only sort of holiday you deem acceptable: as cheap, as frequent, where, how, whatever you want, etc.) a right and at the discretion of individuals and schools should have no right to ever interfere with a personal household decision?

There are so many extreme cases described here, I just wondered about the other extremes -- what change would people want (of those people who do want change), no LEA penalties ever? Or only apply penalties if more than 4/10/16 weeks missed... what exactly do you think is reasonable instead?

RabbitTeeth · 20/07/2011 11:14

sirzy - to avoid the fine of course!

SpottyFrock · 20/07/2011 11:22

I think it's a thorny and difficult issue but even though we don't take ours out during term time, I don't really have an issue with other people doing it. Nor do I ever see children return from term time holidays with a new-found lack of respect for the education system.

I actually think that family holidays do play a major part in a childs education (in the broader sense). I think that time is hugely important esp in families where both parents work. I also don't accept the argument that it's ok if you go trekking in the Andes but not for a week in Spain. It's the time spent together that's important.

nethunsreject · 20/07/2011 11:24

FFS, holidays are not a human right!

I've been on 2 in my entire life.

SpottyFrock · 20/07/2011 11:28

Just because they're not a basic human right does not mean they're not a valuable source of good quality family relaxation time.

Automatic washing machines are not a right. Neither are cars but they're both very useful and make life easier in the scheme of things.

ragged · 20/07/2011 11:28

It's the time spent together that's important.

Why can't people do that at home in the school holiday weeks? Why does it require going away to somewhere else?

nethunsreject · 20/07/2011 11:30

i wasn't aiming at you spotty. I was aiming at op's (imo) misplaced ire.

SpottyFrock · 20/07/2011 11:31

Well, I know that going away helps my DH relax hugely. On a day off at home he cannot switch off from work very well. Also, there's no denying that the change of scenery and the chance to explore new places is more relaxing than being at home.
If it was just as relaxing and was of the same quality, then nobody would ever go away!

SpottyFrock · 20/07/2011 11:33
Grin It's not something I feel strongly about either way, tbh! I just know how much my 3 (and us) get out of family holidays.
seeker · 20/07/2011 11:35

And do you tell your children to lie too? To their teachers and friends? What do you tell them to say when people ask them if they are better?

Am I the only person to think this is ...words fail me...distasteful?

nethunsreject · 20/07/2011 11:37

I get you, seeker

Sirzy · 20/07/2011 11:41

I agree seeker. A child should be able to come back from a holiday buzzing about all the great things they have done while away not having to hide it and pretend they are ill. Thats not fair on the child.

RabbitTeeth · 20/07/2011 13:13

mine don't come back saying they were ill, neither do they get asked about it. They are usually taken at the week before the end of term., Nobody is interested in what they were up to once they are back in school.

seeker · 20/07/2011 14:37

But if they were asked, you'd expect them to lie. And before they go? Do you tell them not to say anything about their holiday to their friends?

DavidDickinsonsTan · 20/07/2011 14:40

my dc want the holiday and would know not to say anything before we went. Anyway, it would all just be hearsay, no actual proof of a holiday or sickness.

We have done this.

ragged · 20/07/2011 14:42

My DC couldn't keep it secret, lol, no way. And it's big bragging rights at DC school to say where you went on holiday "Turkey" "Bulgaria" etc. Doubly unfair to expect them to keep schtum.

seeker · 20/07/2011 14:48

So you involve your children in the deception? Nice.

SpringHeeledJack · 20/07/2011 14:50

for once, I don't agree with seeker Grin

I don't really think a week out of school matters much, in the great scheme of things

I think, even if you're off to a caravan near Great Yarmouth because you can't afford anywhere else, it'd be more valuable than a week of school if you attend the rest of the time. Of course, choosing to go in school time to save yourself a few quid isn't on. But if you really can't afford anything otherwise, or have other restrictions like the op, then schools should consider it and stop being Ofsted's bitch

GrimmaTheNome · 20/07/2011 14:56

I reckon that schools should be allowed by OFSTED to grant a little leeway. In infants, maybe up to 2-3 weeks in total, taken right at the end of term. Juniors maybe a week or two. Secondary school - nowt.

Special family events like weddings, or leave to attend sporting/drama/whatever events in which the child is participating should be dealt with flexibly on a case-by-case basis.

robingood19 · 20/07/2011 15:18

I am suprised about the fines.

MillyR · 20/07/2011 18:00

Seeker. You are being somewhat patronising. One of my children is old enough to be autonomous - he is 13! And he does value education and works incredibly hard. He just doesn't view education as some kind of clock punching exercise, which clearly some people on this thread do.

seeker · 20/07/2011 19:31

I am ambivalent about holidays in term time really. i think theya re a VERY bad idea, but I d understand why people take them = the additional const piled on in the holidays is shameful.

But there is no excuse at all in getting a child to lie - I think it is outrageous to pretend that your child is ill for a holiday and unforgivable to involve a child in the deception. Completely unforgivable.