Contradictions on schools 'holiday in term time' policy.

[Disenchanted3]

We have a 5 day UK holiday booked and it says on the schools website (you can download policies) that all applications for holidays in termtime must be in writing to the head, attendace is taken into consideration etc...

But on the weekly letter the kid get it says 'we have to follow goverment guidelines and school is unable to authorise holidays taken in term time'

Am worried now!

Does anyone know if the goverment guidelines say 'no' to any application?

[Rockbird]

I don't have a school age child yet. I do however have a school age niece who is missing two close family weddings in Ireland because her mother is too frightened to ask for one weekday off each time. Niece is 7yo and would love to go to these events. Family would love to see her but realistically couldn't plan the weddings around the school term of a child in a different country. That situation to me, is utterly ridiculous.

[onebadbaby]

I am a primary teacher, and from experience I believe the gains to be had from a family holiday far outweigh the detriment of a week off school. They will have the chance to experience other cultures, maybe visit museums, get physical exercise eg swimming, have quality time with family and siblings, make new friends, and have HAVE FUN! They will not need extra tuition on return if they are 'normal' children who usually attend regularly. They soon catch up what is learned in a week as the primary aged curriculum is constantly revisited and reinforced. There is plenty of time for rigid rules about holidays when they start work. Take advantage of the flexibility of life while you still can. I can't believe these schools are so rigid- none of the heads I have worked for have made a fuss or fined parents for taking kids on holiday...?? The frequent absentees are the real concern for schools..those are the children that fall behind...

[Kelloggs36]

How would you feel if the teachers decided to take their holidays off in term time????? Teachers are just as likely to be strapped for cash as anybody else (we certainly are not paid a fortune!) I could try that excuse but would be told to save for a longer period of time so that I could go on holiday. A holiday is a choice, it is not essential - I went for many years without a holiday because I couldn't afford one. If you can't afford it, don't go this year, wait until next year when you will have had twice as long to save.

[lilac21]

Teachers are not obliged to provide work for children who are away due to holidays or illness or anything else. At best, you may get an extra reading book or two if you ask for it.

I too, would love to be able to take holidays when it's cheaper, or have a long weekend when I fancy one, as I did in my previous occupation. However, I weigh that up against rarely having to pay for holiday childcare and spending every school holiday with my own children, a privilege few working parents get.