Reception child not yet compulsory school age- term time holiday?

[laakhx]

Hey everyone

Has anyone taken a child out of Reception for a holiday before they reached compulsory school age?
My daughter is in Reception and has 98.2% attendance. She only had 2 days off last year as I had a baby. She was born at the end of july, so she doesn’t turn 5 until after the school breaks up for summer and won’t reach compulsory school age until September.
We’re looking at taking a holiday from around 8 July for a week for a family wedding, it will be paid for aswell except flights, so it’s not really something I’d want to miss out on.
I know the school will probably refuse to authorise it, but I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation. Did you get a fine or any other consequences? Did the school just mark it as unauthorised absence?
Would be interested to hear real experiences from parents who’ve done this.

You can’t be fined as she is not at the compulsory school age yet.

You have signed a home school agreement that says she'll attend but a couple of days might even be authorised anyway with it being a family wedding. I dont think you'd get fined but it sounds worth it even if you did!

No fine, as she's not compulsary school age, 5. It may be unauthorised but nothing will happen.

We’re in the exact same scenario. Attendance coordinator rang me and said we won’t be fined as he’s underage (he’s the beginning of July, so will turn 5 in a couple of weeks). She then sent me a formal letter saying it’s unauthorised and the importance of attendance blah blah but we won’t be fined. It’s the end of the year anyway, do it! Now is the time

They won't authorise it but you won't get a fine, you can choose when you send them under school age.

Just let the school know you intend to go on holiday and what dates, don't try and hide it though kids will tell them anyway.

You won't get fined as child is not yet compulsory school age.
I'm a primary teacher of 20-something years and didn't put one of my kids (August-born) in full time at all until that point (right decision!) 😀
Absolutely your choice re the holiday.

@RiskyBizyes definitely will be letting them know

@MCF86it would really be worth it even with the fine !!

School isnt compulsory until the term after they turn 5 so no you they can’t fine you

@mrsbowesits so strange because 2 weeks ago I rang up as I had an appointment and I had to pick her up 25 minutes before school ended& woman at the desk let me know that this won’t be happening again !!?

That’s great! I completely understand why you didn’t put them in full time at that stage.
I actually replied to another comment about this, but I once had an appointment and needed to pick my daughter up 25 minutes before the end of the school day. The lady in the office told me, “This won’t be happening again.”
It really threw me because I don’t understand why. If I need to collect my own child 25 minutes early for a genuine reason, why would that be a problem? was she just being awkward for no reason?@Cheeseandolivesplease

@LauRRen144its my first time with any children in school so I’m really not sure how to go about things. Did you go into the office and who did you ask about taking the time off? I have been stressing about it a little but it definitely is the time to do it if I won’t be fined

Well yes, the school want your child in full time because they're judged on attendance stats.

@laakhx You had every right to pick your child up 25 minutes before the end of the school day for an appointment. I guess my only question is did you inform someone beforehand that you would be doing so e.g. the class teacher at the beginning of the day?
So many parents don't understand about the actual compulsory age regarding school-based education ol age in the UK - it begins on the term following a child's fifth birthday. Up until that point your child doesn't have to be in school at all should you so wish.
My own personal opinion (and after 25 years in primary education) is that in the UK we start formal education far, far too early.
It was absolutely the right thing to do not to send my August-born ft until this point as he was nowhere near emotionally ready. He's now 18 and at an excellent university after coming out with 3 A stars and 1 A in his A-Levels so I can safely say it didn't impact upon him academically!
Anyway, I digress.
You absolutely can take your child on holiday!

School will not authorise it, but obviously can't stop you going. As she's not yet compulsory school age, there won't be a fine.

Just let the school know she won't be in on those dates, and the reason why. Usually this will be via a leave of absence form, which you can ask for at the office. Then don't give it any further thought and enjoy your holiday.

Picking up early doesn't affect school attendance data as it is based on morning and afternoon registers. It is incredibly common to pick up early - I'm bemused by what the woman in the office said to you. Not least that she thought that was an appropriate way to speak to another adult. I would have questioned what she meant.

I took my eldest out when he was four (he’s 12 now) and the holiday form came back saying something along the lines of ‘no action taken, child under5’