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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Holidays in term time (reception)

12 replies

wardywoo86 · 15/07/2023 17:41

Hi All,

Just want some thoughts and advice - Little one starts reception in September, and due to grandparents messing up booking their leave from work (they thought half term is the week before it actually is), it means for us to go on holiday with them in October, we'd need to take 7 days out of school.

Not only is going to cost us more money to go, I'm not sure its the right thing to do, but my OH just things we should do it.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:

Teapleasebobb · 15/07/2023 17:46

Not ideal but not the end of the world. How old will dc be when you go away? Children don't have to legally be in school until 5 so you may not have to pay a fine if your dc isn't 5 by then.

Original poster

wardywoo86 · 15/07/2023 17:47

DC will still be 4.....

OP posts:

Whinge · 15/07/2023 17:48

Who provided the dates to the grandparents? Or did they just book a random week they thought was half term?

Also I'm sure you've checked dates but are you sure the school only has one week in October? Lots of areas have 2 weeks off for October half term.

Original poster

wardywoo86 · 15/07/2023 17:50

They just made an assumption on the week, which to be fair is the week I thought it was going to be, but having checked with the school it's the week later and yes they only get 1 week off in October

OP posts:

HalfasleepChrisintheMorning · 15/07/2023 17:54

If under 5, do it, enjoy, don’t worry about it. School can’t do anything under compulsory school age.
If it’s the term after they turn 5 I would still do it and not worry about it but school won’t authorise so it’s possible there will be a fine.

FWIW DS is now 11 and has had the odd day off 3 times in primary for holiday as well as lots of sickness and Covid . His year 6 results are excellent.

orchardsquare · 15/07/2023 17:54

I'd do it as there won't be any fines with your child being under 5 so will be the last chance you get (to go in term time) for a while - make the most of it!

Original poster

wardywoo86 · 15/07/2023 17:58

Thanks all - Is there anywhere I can read about the penalty fines being for 5 years plus only?

OP posts:

Acornsoup · 15/07/2023 18:05

The only really learn social skills at this age. The holiday with family and grandparents will be a great experience for them. I found with all of mine that swimming really came on with every family holiday when they were young. Make some memories OP and. If you get a fine I am sure it will be worth it.

NaughtPoppy · 15/07/2023 18:06

wardywoo86 · 15/07/2023 17:58

Thanks all - Is there anywhere I can read about the penalty fines being for 5 years plus only?

Google “compulsory school age”

Keznadudlex · 16/07/2023 19:20

as a welfare officer who deals with attendance - I can assure you under five is not statutory school age and cannot be fined. You will get a letter or notification from school it isn’t authorised but nothing further. Search DFE penalty notices and school attendance and read the overview which confirms the aged 5 and above allowance. Hope you have a lovely trip!!

Keznadudlex · 16/07/2023 19:21

5 and below rule even!!

fml666 · 16/07/2023 19:23

I'm taking mine out of school for a week's holiday in October. Personally, I think their argument about missing school being detrimental to learning is severely weakened after all the school days they've missed due to teacher strikes....

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