Taking Kids out of school

[Tinks]

Everyone has their own reasons for doing this and its something I wouldn't want to comment on but I know that Schools are well within their rights to refuse the holidays now and the Education Welfare Service can step in and give you an automatic fine of �50 per parent per child so in some cases this could be a lot of money.

If you don't pay within 28 days the fine can increase - this is by law they can charge you so I suppose its something that you all want to be aware of.

[spice]

Hi I will be taking my daughter out of school on the 19th Nov for 1 week as my older daughter who lives in spain is expecting my 1st grandchild and i intend to go over there to see her luckily my daughters school usualy allow you up to 10 days absence for hols as we live in cumbria and the majority of people are in farming or tourism and cant always get away at holiday times and aslong as you dont make a habit of it they seem pretty good . I dont like taking my kids away during school time and not all workplaces are that understanding about those with kids and those without my eldest daughter whilst still in this country couldnt go away during july or august cos the people with kids got priority but she liked to go when it was hot and busy so it works both ways

[Tinks]

Hi Spice,

I know this because I work in a school and its all new rules and regulations that have come into force. The 10 days is at the discretion of the headteacher - they can refuse this on many grounds ... ie your child has less than 90% attendance or anyother reason they find to be good grounds.

If you then take your child out of school you can be fined by Education service and if you refuse to pay you can be taken to court over it.

I'm not going to be judgemental over anyone, I know that lots of people have their own reasons and I am a parent and know what its like. Its just a shame I can't go away in cheaper times, it always costs us a fortune with peak times.

I hope all goes well for you. Try not to worry, I haven't heard it happen to anyone yet - just saying that they can do it. I know on other forums people have said they were charged.

[spice]

yes i know ive had my permission granted thankfully and i know its a tricky situation but i know most parents wouldnt keep there kids off by choice but owning a caravan park i also know us business people cash in on this not always out of greed but we have to make the money when we can to cover the times we cant.

[HW Jan.C]

My husband works for an American based company and for the past 3 years his holidays have been set by the company for june or early july time and of course he tried swapping dates with workmates who are all in the same position wanting school holidays,So we have gone in school time taking both kids out of school, I disagree with anyone that says is harms the kids schooling basing it on my sons brilliant GCSE results.I would never have taken them out of school if exams were at the same time. If you have to take other dates other than school holidays go for it, kids need a break same as adults do.As for being fined �50 for taking kids out of school, please bear in mind that it is still cheaper to have a holiday in June and pay the �50 for both kids than pay for a holiday in August, I know because next year we have managed to get August holidays.In some cases the cost difference can be up to �1000.

[eleand65]

Please spare a thought for the teacher who has to ensure that your child catches up on what they have missed. As for getting the work in advance, that in itself is a lot of work for the teacher just to benefit one child in the class. And believe me teachers don't work 9-3 p.m. every day. Marking and assessment and planning for 30 children does take up a lot of time.

I don't have the option of taking my children out of school as I teach. I have to pay the higher rates.

Be sensible about what messages you are giving your children- is education something that you just miss when it's convenient?

[Tinks]

I have to say I agree with the above post. I thought that teachers had a canny little job with their 8.45 - 3.30pm working hours and all the long holidays that they got. I have to admit I was 100% wrong and anyone that thinks teachers have an easy life I would suggest you follow them for a day.

I don't teach but I do work in a school and it is not as easy as we all think, I think they probably work during their holidays ie marking books, preparing work etc etc.

I agree that some teachers have far too much to do already and sorting work for your child to take on holiday is the last thing on their mind and even when you ask for it, not always does it come through.

Like I said earlier I wouldn't criticise anyone for doing what they think is right but I never ever get the opportunity to do it and I always end up paying more money for my hols.

[Mal 54]

"Please spare a thought for the teacher who has to ensure that your child catches up on what they have missed. As for getting the work in advance, that in itself is a lot of work for the teacher just to benefit one child in the class. And believe me teachers don't work 9-3 p.m. every day. Marking and assessment and planning for 30 children does take up a lot of time.

I don't have the option of taking my children out of school as I teach. I have to pay the higher rates.

Be sensible about what messages you are giving your children- is education something that you just miss when it's convenient?" --- eleand65


So glad a teacher has come on and given their opinion, having worked in education for many years myself, I know teachers don't have an easy life, marking till all hours of the night, and preparing for the weeks ahead.

[sybil46]

Try Dubai or the United Arab Emirates, august is the cheapest time of year. My 4 kids are 2, 5, 9 and 11 and they loved it! It worked out cheaper than 2 weeks in spain

[movielad]

Well, normally I wouldn't touch a subject like this with a 500ft barge pole, but I will only say that holidays are a luxury and not a privilege. With that said, it's still nonetheless good to get away from it all - even if it's just for the odd weekend. I should also point out that going on holiday doesn't necessarily mean flying abroad - there are plenty of great places to go in the UK (me - I *love* Scotland).

M.