Informing school that you are taking children on holiday

[Snossidge]

We're going away for 3 days next week, bit of a last minute thing, so I need to inform the school.

How do you do it? Write a letter to the head? And what should I say - that I'm asking permission or just that we are going?

I wrote a letter saying the DCs would be away from school (a few days just before they broke up).

I said I wasn't going to lie like everyone else and believe in honesty. We haven't been fined...yet!

A bit pointless asking for permission if you are going anyway! ( and you won't get permission as a holiday will not count as exceptional circumstance) So I would simply say that you appreciate it will count as unauthorised when you inform the school that you will be absent.

Remember that it's £60 per child per parent so factor that into your holiday costs. If it's worth it then go.

They're only missing 3 days Adorabelle so we should be ok.

Well you're not asking for permission are you?
Does your head usually fine for taking holiday?

Can't fine till 5 days so shouldn't be an issue.

OK, I'll just write that I'm informing them of the absence.

They can fine when they want gingerdad

I would just send a letter. Are you leaving fist thing. It may be worth taking in for the morning if not.. They seem to like registration marks

My LEA says they issue fines after 8 half sessions.

We have forms to fill in to request holidays but holidays are NEVER authorised. People still go, or lie about children being unwell.

Ours is a form to fill out. We've had official letters sent home saying NO term time hols will be authorised whatsoever

A fine may be imposed if child has unauthorised for more than 10 school days a year. (Wales)

We're on 7 thus far.

Can't fine till 5 days so shouldn't be an issue

Not true. They can fine for any absence. However the school has to comply with the LA's Code of Conduct when issuing a penalty notice. Most LAs require a number of days absence before a fine is issued but the number varies from LA to LA.

They authorised it!

Great news!

Fantastic

How did they authorise it, if it's a holiday you're going on? They're not allowed to. You may or may not be fined (as there are discrepancies in the application of this rule from area to area), but it ought still to be unauthorised.

Not all LA fine for the same durations or for the same amounts.
Not everywhere is it £60 per child per parent.
I have known several parents take children out for holidays and only know of one who was fined.

As a parent - if you book a term time holiday; You take the risk and factor any potential fine in to your holiday costs.

Headteacher do have discretion - they make the final decision to authorise or not. Holidays are not usually a mitigating reason and are rarely authorised. However, even if not authorised there is no guarantee you will get a fine either.

I don't think the rules are as strict as some MNers imply.... I got permission for 2 weeks last yr. I heard about a local school that gave 6 months off to a family of 4 last yr: the part that makes me is it is one of the few rather over-subbed schools in our region.

It didn't have to be asking for permission, it's also informing school so they don't waste time ringing you to ask where the kids are.

Headteacher' scan authorise in exceptional circumstances. So if your employer allocates your leave and you don't get any in school hols that may be exceptional. As may attending a close relative's wedding. So heads do still have discretion.

clam - I don't know how, they just did.