Term time holidays - please advice

[tommys2024]

Hello all - i am based in Redbridge Borough in London and looking to take my kids 2 kids on holidays during term time. 1 kid is in reception and other will be in Y5. I have booked the holidays but now getting a bit nervous that I could be jailed? Also how do I break this to the school that I am taking them out in December time where prices are 1/5 of peak time.

If you thought there was even half a chance you'd be sent to prison, you wouldn't have booked the holiday lol.

Jailed indeed! 🤣

You 'break' it to them in writing normally.

How much school will they miss?

I had to fill.in.a form. It was on the school website.

The fines are for 5 or more days.
Jail only comes into the equation if you repeatedly refuse to pay fines... not for just taking them on holiday!

I live in Redbridge and also have kids same age as you, I’ve seen LOTS of parents take kids out before holidays. I wondered myself too and one of the mums told me she made an appointment with headteacher and explained situation that her husband can only take time off during that week and head teacher was fine with it. Also I know some parents have pretended they have a wedding to go to - no evidence requested.

It's going to be difficult news to break. The teachers will be weeping in the playground and the T.As will have to take the rest of the day off.

I know how you feel and I would feel nervous too. I work in a school so can only go on holiday during school holidays but if I was you I would just go and not worry about it. Is it a week before term officially starts? How confident would you feel going in for a meeting with head?

I know you’re just joking but try to imagine people who worry a lot like it seems OP is a natural worrier (sorry if you’re not and I’m wrong!) these kind of situations feel really overwhelming. I get anxiety and stress over what others might perceive as trivial.

Yes but the OP knows they won't be going anywhere near a prison, hence them booking a holiday.

This page might be helpful guidance for you, OP.

https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/schools/school-attendance-and-educational-welfare-services/

5 days

Jail🤣🤣

Why do you need to break it to the school? There won't be wailing and gnashing of teeth, just tell them and go on holiday