Would you take your Yr 7 out for 2 and a half days for a holiday?

[trottingon]

As High School looms in September and we haven't been able to get a holiday during this 6 week summer break, we have been considering a 10 day holiday in Ocober.....

Would not wish to make waves but how would it be viewed if we request 2 and a half days authorised absence just prior to breaking up for the October half term?
Would you? Do the schools really mind for the sake of a couple of days?

Not sure what is seen as reasonable....all new to us this year, but would not have hesitated in primary....

My daughter at the end of year 8 had 100% attendance for the year, and her grammar school still refused permsission for her to miss one half day at the end of term to go on holiday. If I'd lied and said she had a dental appointment they would have had to authorize it.

yes, i would take them out for 2 1/2 days.

I'm actually a teacher so shouldn't really be condoning this! and I know that my school would refuse permission as attendance is one of the areas looked at by OFSTED.

However, you are obviously a concientious parent who is concerned about their child missing school, and will I'm sure, make your child catch up on any work missed. As a teacher we are dealing with many feckless parents whose children miss school many days just because they can't be bothered sending them. So in the great scheme of things, taking your child out for 2 1/2 days isn't going to have a huge impact on their progress. AS LONG AS YOU FIND OUT WHAT WORK/TOPICS HAVE BEEN COVERED AND ENSURE YOUR CHILD CATCHES UP ON THIS WORK. Just in the same way that you would if your child was ill for the same period of time.

I also believe that work/life balance is so important, for children as well as parents. Our children are under so much pressure these days (exams etc) and we don't always get to spend quality time with our families. Also, in the current economic climate many families are unable to get away in school holidays (peak season). I think you should take this opportunity to spend quality time spent together as a family, without feeling guilty!

Obviously there is a difference between taking 2 days and 2 weeks. As I say though, in the great scheme of things, 2 1/2 days is not going to have a huge impact on your childs education.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your holiday!