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Parenting

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Original poster

Taking reception child out of school in October for a holiday

37 replies

CarolineSAlondon · 03/09/2026 16:51

My daughter started reception today. I was considering taking her out of school for a week early October to go on holiday as I have some time between jobs and she turns 5 later in the month. Teachers/ parents do you think this would be very disruptive for her?

many thanks.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

TheignT · 03/09/2026 20:16

Sunshineclouds11 · 03/09/2026 20:08

Take her away.

Yes phonics is important BUT what if she was poorly for the week?
kids are off for a week atleast with chicken pox.

in my experience they end up doing phonics groups so whatever she misses she will soon get caught up with.

Exactly.

Seashor · 03/09/2026 20:25

As a Reception teacher ,we cover a new sound EVERY DAY so yes your child will get behind.

As a school governor, it doesn’t matter that your child is still 4, you will be eligible for a fine and because of the extra work you will be giving the teacher , I REALLY hope that you get one.
As a tax payer I am sick and tired of paying for children to attend school and then their parents not sending them.
There are 13 weeks of school holidays and the clue is in the word holiday’.

newseries · 03/09/2026 20:26

There were loads of kids off in the run up to half term last year. It’s when fevers and bugs kick in.

I would take her in your circumstances and I’m quite anti term time holidays as a rule.

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Sunshineclouds11 · 03/09/2026 20:30

Your a fun sponge @Seashor

FaithfulMadam · 03/09/2026 20:37

I wouldn't worry about friendships. My DD was in Reception and had 2 weeks off after having an operation . Her friendship group stayed the same and after her 1st day back it was like she was never away

LlynTegid · 03/09/2026 20:38

I don't think you should. Even though it is planned, I think children learn a useful life lesson that some things cannot be opted out of.

FunPartyIdeas · 03/09/2026 20:43

In England, school is only legally compulsory from the start of the term after a child turns five years old.
I'm an experienced primary teacher and my own son (August-born) did not start Reception full-time until he legally had to. It was absolutely the right decision for him.

FunPartyIdeas · 03/09/2026 20:47

@Seashor
This is incorrect. You cannot legally be fined by a local council for taking a 4-year-old child out of school for a holiday, because compulsory school age in England and Wales only begins in the school term following a child's fifth birthday.
I have been primary teaching now for 23 years and my own son (August-born) didn't start Reception full-time until he legally had to. Absolutely the right choice for him.

tellmesomethingtrue · 03/09/2026 22:27

viques · 03/09/2026 16:59

What is the problem? Just take her away at the half term holiday.

Too expensive - holiday companies double
the price. Kids don’t have to be in school until the term after they turn 5.

Penkie · 03/09/2026 22:34

Teacher here. Take her on holiday.

Greenfingers37 · 03/09/2026 23:06

Retired teacher here. Take her on holiday but I wouldn’t make a habit of it.

riceuten · 07/09/2026 20:19

No, I think it’s ridiculous and totally unreasonable but I doubt very much you care two hoots what people think

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