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Preschool education

Get advice from other Mumsnetters to find the best nursery for your child on our Preschool forum.

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Original poster

Can I take toddler out of reception for holiday?

20 replies

nonamemummy · 23/03/2020 08:11

We had a holiday booked in September but recently changed the date we go to June instead as realised my DS would be starting reception in September. It looks like the June holiday might not be happening now with all that’s going on. If I change it back to September, am I allowed to take him out of reception for a holiday? Is it strict like school? Would it even be a good idea to take him out as he would have just started? It’s only for the week

OP posts:

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trinklesminkle · 23/03/2020 08:14

Will he be 4 or 5 in September?

Didntwanttochangemyname · 23/03/2020 08:15

I'm not sure I'd be confident that you'll be going anywhere in September either. Will travel be back to normal by then?

Bienentrinkwasser · 23/03/2020 08:16

Bit confused that you didn’t realise he was starting school when you booked the holiday? Also a 4/5 year old isn’t a toddler. Reception is school but I suspect there may be some lenience about holidays after all this is over.

Mammyofasuperbaby · 23/03/2020 08:17

It wouldn't be a good idea as it will interrupt his settling plus reception is school so its extremely unlikely they would let you go

Ullupullu · 23/03/2020 08:19

You are allowed if he's 4. But why would you want to for his sake.

MsJaneAusten · 23/03/2020 08:21

You’re allowed to, but taking him out of school just after he’s stated would be strange. Let him settle in. Go in half term.

milkysmum · 23/03/2020 08:22

I don't think you'll be going on holiday in September either to be honest.

ForeverBubblegum · 23/03/2020 08:23

Depends when his birthday falls, before 5 years old school isn't compulsory, so they can't fine you for taking time out. However September probably isn't the best time as he will still be settling in, after possibly been at home every day between now and then.Would later in the term be possible?

Allgirlskidsanddogs · 23/03/2020 08:25

YABU a 4 yo isn’t a toddler.

Starting school is a massive change. Legally you can take then out of school until the term after they are 5, but why would you disrupt their routine at a time if so much change?

Give them the best start you can and organise the holiday for school holiday time.

Jemma2907 · 23/03/2020 08:26

I took my reception child out in his first year but waited until early December. Those first couple of months are quite important in terms of settling in, forming friendships, learning routine etc.

mistyrains · 23/03/2020 08:27

I’m normally not fussed about school holidays in term time but even I think September is a bad idea.

ElizabethMainwaring · 23/03/2020 08:31

Do you mean nursery op? If so, no, it's 'not strict like school'. Whereas Reception actually is school. It would definitely be frowned upon. Like others, I doubt that your holiday will be going ahead though.

Original poster

nonamemummy · 23/03/2020 08:34

I didn’t think it would be a good idea that’s why I’m asking other people’s opinions. He will be 4. I’ll just do it for later in the year in a half term

OP posts:

SMaCM · 25/03/2020 07:32

I'd move the holiday to next year during the school holidays

mollymoggs · 25/03/2020 07:42

September is never a good time for holidays, no matter the age. It's the month when they are settling into routines, making friends etc. We've taken ours out in October just before half term and it's been fine.

If I were you I would wait for your June holiday to be cancelled and get a full refund rather than change it to September and risk the money as well.

ThatsWotSheSaid · 25/03/2020 07:47

You take take them out until they are 5 but some teachers get irritated by it.

paintcolourwoes · 25/03/2020 07:51

I think a term time holiday in reception is ok, but I’d leave it until later in the year. We took a week before summer half term to attend a family wedding, and whilst I probably wouldn’t have planned to take him out, it was totally fine. We kept a diary and sent a postcard. He then had a further 2 weeks off in July for a tonsillectomy, again, not planned, but as an urgent case, and again he was fine. I’d avoid the autumn term for planned missing of school though, and I wouldn’t bother booking anything at all for this year just for coronavirus related reasons

Original poster

nonamemummy · 25/03/2020 09:49

Thanks everyone. I’ll wait til they cancel it and just book it for half term next year

OP posts:

BendingSpoons · 23/04/2020 15:48

In a pre-COVID world you might have got away with an early Sept holiday as Reception children often start later, although you might risk missing a home visit etc. Currently who knows what will be happening with schools, but holidays are unlikely, so your plan sounds sensible.

cabbageking · 23/04/2020 15:54

At 4 or 5 he isn't a toddler.
You can only be fined the term after a child turns 5.

They can refuse your request and can send paperwork about missing time and not adhering to the schools ethos etc but can not refer a child under the age on for a fine. They also can't fine for less than 5 days off.

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