What are the rules on taking your children on holiday in term time?

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Adrian G

It is unfortunately, up to the Headteacher as to whether your child can have time off school, but I have a Hyperactive Downs syndrome child, who our local schools cannot manage. He has been attending school for half days for the last 2 years, and sorry to say but because of an accident I had in Wales last year, we have not been able to have a holiday (abroad). We are taking him out of school later this year for a fortnight, and I defy the local Education authority to take me to court over the matter, when they cannot provide him with an education full term. So simular to yourself, if they cannot provide the Education whilst your child is ill, and they complain about what could be deemed as an Educative Holiday, threaten to take them to Court, if the Head teacher does not agree to the "in term" holiday. Good luck and fight your corner.

deelightuk2004

I wonder if some of the negative comments on here are from people who don't actually have children? It is so expensive to take the kids on holiday during the school holidays and if I didn't take mine during term time they probably wouldn't get a holiday. Schools in England usually grant 2 weeks off in term time as long as your kids have good attendance records. My kids never have time off and we go on holiday the last 2 weeks of June when school is winding down anyway. They deserve as much of a break as we do!! Its about time the prices on holidays came down and then we wouldn't have to take our kids out of school!!!!!

oh deary me

Ask the school secretary for a holiday request form, that way you don't have to deal with the headmistress.
Schools are usually ok with it as long as your child has good attendance record.
They will send you a snotty letter informing you that it is disruptive to their education.

Shaggy

Take your kids away during the summer shutdown ..thats what it is for...leave the other weeks to me so i aint got screaming kids all round the pool and beach. Long live skool term.

Niamh

You request the time off and the school will usually oblige as long as it is not happening more than once a year.I have done this three years in a row and never had a problem.If your children have good attendance and are not drastically behind in the cirriculum it should be okay.I requested a Holiday form filled it in and gave it a few weeks,then had it confirmed that I could go ahead.The shcool is your first port of call.Approach the headmistress with all the reasons why you need these dates.She should not be unapproachable anyway as it is her duty to be fair.

You are allowed to take them out for 2 weeks,ask the school office for a form that you need to fill in.
Enjoy your holiday love.

Redz

My sister takes her kids away in May the week before half term and has never had ne problems her school told her they are allowed 10 days authorised absence, you just need to fill in a form, that she gets from the office.

My boss took her kids to Sri Lanka, the head at their school said they will learn more there than in the class room!!

We always take advantage of the sun's Â£9.50 holiday and take the kids to Haven, these however are only available in term time and means that poorer famalies can afford to take the kids away everyone needs a change of scenery!!

go for it and have fun good luck x

Penfold

Children are not allowed to be taken out of school for more than 2 weeks and that is at the discretion of the school.

Jaffa1700

You are entitled to take them out of school for 2weeks, anymore would have to be at the discretion of the Headmaster/mistress. Our Headmaster felt that travel broadens the mind so was helpful

nicole b

if you find the head unapproachable try putting your request in writing I'm sure this would be acceptable,i do hope you manage to sort this out as you say their attendance is fine the rest of the time,do have a good time.

Hilda Matilda THE Cooking Fat x

you are not supposed to but if you ask permission from the school the chidren are allowed 10-11 days authorized absence hope this helps

DARREN J

you are able to take your kids out of school for 10 days in any one year!!!!!!

Stella S

Generally, schools frown upon this but it happens a lot. I have to say, it is usually middle class parents who tend to do this. Write to the school directly and they will grant you permission. Most schools are willing to accept a two weeks' absence.

D B

you must write to the head asking for permission. if she refuses it then you can appeal. however, if it is turned down and you still take them out then you can will have broken the law. Can't you take them over Easter instead for the 2 weeks then?

Fluffy

As a parent, you have a duty to ensure your kids are at school during term time. Deliberately taking them away from school could result in action being taken against you by the local authority.
Also, think about your kids who will be missing valuable lessons at school. Try thinking about them instead of yourself!!!!

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