Holidays in term time..

[Countdownis35]

Hi all

I've realised I've planned quite badly and booked a holiday in June for 11 nights which will mean DS will miss more than I had of planned. To be honest I really struggle to find deals in the school holidays. I found a last minute one towards the back of August for a week to Spain last year which was reasonable but I assume maybe it was pot luck and covid helped perhaps. I've searched the same holiday I've currently got booked for next year August there's no way I can justify that amount.

I was wondering what you do as single parents? I love holidaying it's my time to re charge not going isn't an option for me. Any tips?

What worries you? The possibility of a fine? Him missing too much school,especially if he's struggling?
Is he in an important/exam year?

Sorry I didn't make it clear. I was wanting to know what the other mums do really?

I don't mind the fine tbh because it's cheaper than half term prices by far. DS isn't behind he's in Year 2.

Following as I have the same issue next year and I’m shitting bricks about what will happen.

single mum and my son is 7. Haven’t had a holiday myself in over 16 years and my son has never been away so I intend to take him away term time next year.

Hope someone can give some insite.

Ive done it a few times during primary years two different schools, only been fined once. I think it was £60 per parent. I got a letter and just rang up and paid.
Each time I wrote the school a letter explaining my reasons for taking DD out during term time and that I understood that I may be fined. Never had any issues. One time I got a nice letter back saying it was authorised and she hoped we'd have a lovely time!

So I decided to write a letter to the Head I'm not asking for permission but at least I don't have to lie and I would rather be honest and face the possibility of a fine. Hopefully I will hear from the school next week!

£60 per parent is that if you live in the same household?

I regularly took my DDs out of school for a holiday every May during primary. The head used to laugh and say it might give the other kids a chance to catch up! That was in the days before all this nonsense about fines though, and the DDs had a reading age of 12 in reception.
I wish it was still just left to the head’s discretion - they usually know exactly which parents are just abusing the system, which ones need to go off-peak for financial reasons, and which children will not get behind by missing a week or two.