holidays in term time.

[tibywibs]

Hi All,
Just wondering what the current ruling is on taking children out of school for holidays?
My whole family are going to Florida in May and that would mean my son (year 1) taking 1 or 2 weeks out of school. My mum is under the impression you can hand the school £50 a week and thats's the end of it but i'm sure it's not that easy!
We live in Hull if it varies region to region.
Thanks for any help!

Head mistress was totally lovely. She said she can't authorise 2 weeks but has said yes to one if we take the other in half term! i am so pleased and my son is beyond happy! messes it up for my brother who was organising it but everything is fixable!!

We can get a fine (£100 per child) and lose our school places for unauthorised absences but our school has been flexible IF it's an important family event. I am from North America and am taking my kids out for two days, because there's a big birthday party for their great-grandmother who is turning 100. There is no way that our school would authorise a two week trip to Florida.

I think i have been very lucky! especially considering another parent was berated for giving her son 2 days off! My son had great attendance last year and is quite a good achiever (for year 1!!) so I think this had quite a lot to do with her decision, plus he's 5 so I'm not sure he'll miss anything crucial to his long term education! i'll take work with us if necessary!
I find it strange how different schools are though. If we all had the same rules then surely it would be easier, and fair!!