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TAKING CHILDREN ON HOLIDAY IN TERM TIME

My daughter is paying £240 to take her 6 year old son and 7 year old daughter out of school for a holiday to Florida. Another parent at the same school is also taking her two children out of school (same reason) but has confided in a "friend" that she is going to say that they are ill. What do you think about taking children out of school in term time ... is it better to be honest. Am I being unreasonable thinking that not telling the truth is wrong? Should this whole system of fining parents be abolished? Would love to hear what others think


Created By on 26/04/2016

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lizmandu
24th Feb 2017 11:11:37
0
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It seems to me to be quite reasonable to take children out of school if their experience of life is enriched by the event. A child will grow up to remember school days as a background, with only a few highlights, if these are enhanced by a family holiday or trip then the child will grow into a more rounded adult, which is surely what society needs.
[deleted]
1st Mar 2020 10:01:58
0
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Alan247
6th Aug 2016 12:12:02 (Last activity: 24th Feb 2017 11:16:50)
0
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Myself, I think it teaches kids to take the "who cares" attitude. As a kid when my parents said NO, it meant NO, these days parents don't like saying no to their kids incase it makes them insecure, just look how many 6 year olds using iPads and mobile phones
Response from lizmandu made on 24th Feb 2017 11:16:50
Is this really about the "who cares" attitude? Isn't it more about exploitation by holiday companies charging so much more in holiday time. The few times my children missed school are the times they remember as special because they were not run of the mill. An eye appointment could lead to taking a full day out, and doing something educational as well as the appointment. Ipads and mobile phones are the future, they will be commonplace by the time a 6 year old is adult. To prevent a child from learning how to use one is deprivation, separates them from their piers and can lead to bullying..
SF
6th Sep 2016 16:20:25
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I can see why parents would do this as holiday prices increase massively during school holiday times.
Having said that , be aware that teachers should not be expected to " give extra work" and as a result, these children may well fall behind.
Fflorielle
5th Aug 2016 20:11:41
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I think it does no harm in infant or junior school But would think seriously before taking them out of school when preparing for O or A levels.
rigga
1st Aug 2016 18:49:28
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There would be no point in telling porkies - try explaining to the school how the kids have a good tan after their holiday in Florida and are full of tales to tell their friends - whoops, after their bout of illness!
SageBrush
28th Jul 2016 03:30:24
0
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Why cant they just pay the parents of the childs friend to be mom and dad at their home while parents are away on vacation..??? my grandfather always told me you cant fix stupid...
paisley pattern
28th May 2016 14:35:00
0
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I would definitely have to be honest and tell the school that we were going on holiday. I think too much is being made of this. Children can fall sick for a week or two and mostly always catch up at school. Parents are being made to feel bad just for the sake of it.
Frida
2nd May 2016 10:40:49
1
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Hi

I don't think the main issue is around schools imposing restrictions. It is holiday companies who hike the cost up during school holidays . Parents are unable to afford it in the holidays and still find it cheaper to pay the fine and take them out of school.

It is exactly the same thing when you buy for instance, a toaster, in one colour it is more expensive because it is popular rather than it costs more to produce.

I actually think there should be the introduction of some form of legislation . Capitalism gone mad!!!
lizmandu
30th Apr 2016 15:27:21
2
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It seems to me that if the children are going to gain more from their out-of-school experiences, and the fine is affordable, then it is more beneficial to those children than yet another un-remembered day in school.
There are certain aspects of the current form of education for our children, who will be the next rulers, and organisers of the country, that seem to be very small minded and unnecessary. Every child should be given as many opportunities to experience LIFE as possible. Not treated like exam fodder to be turned into data for politicians and schools to crow that their exam results are the best!!!!
Lesley
29th Apr 2016 18:12:48
1
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I think the Travel Companies etc., that triple their prices during school holiday season should be ashamed of themselves. It is probably a lot cheaper for your daughter to pay the 'fine' than take the children during school holiday time. As for the other parent, how can she be certain that her children will go along with the 'the children are ill' scenario? Especially if they reappear at school with a sun tan?
viking
26th Apr 2016 12:40:19
1
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Presumably you are having to do this because of the exorbitant charges by the holiday firms and carriers to coincide with school holidays.This type of charging an extra premium for these particular slots is just pure greed by the airlines and others, and should be made illegal.Surely these companies make enough profit the rest of the year without resorting to these methods.
The whole situation of fines and having to take children out of school for a well deserved holiday is down to greed by the travel industry.

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