Not compulsory school age term time holiday

[Senners]

My child will start school next September 2024 and will turn 5 at the end of September so a few weeks after she starts. Am I right in thinking she's not compulsory school age until 1st January 2025 so I could take her out of school between September and December without a fine? Thinking of a short break in Nov, but not if there's a risk of fine. Thanks

Cannot tell me that every single child I have encountered in September when I have taken my holidays is homeschooled.

Why? September is a very common time for homeschoolers to holiday as it’s still warm, but a lot cheaper.

Private schools have long holidays. Some of the school-age children on holiday in early July or maybe early September could be at private schools, couldn't they?

Early July - yes. Early Sept - no. Private schools go back after summer at the same time as state schools.

@Mademetoxic because there are a multitude of reasons of why children may be on holiday in September. They may be home schooled, their parents may not be able to take annual leave at other times, they may be there to attend a destination wedding, they may live in another country which has different school holidays. Or they may be there because it's cheaper than going in August. Either way it is none of your business.

Well thanks to the wisdom of MN I am getting my fine refunded, as it was indeed issued in error. Thanks to those who commented as such!

yay! Great news