When do schools break up for Christmas 2022?

SANTA Claus is coming to town which means two things - it's time for presents and the school holidays.

And with Santa's arrival school children all over the UK are likely to be on their best behaviour - here's a list of important dates for parents to jot down in their diaries.

When do schools break up for Christmas 2022?

It's the season to be jolly and it's time for school children to enjoy the festive period with some annual time off school.

Here's when schools break up for Christmas 2022.

England

The majority of schools in England will break up for the holidays on Friday, December 16.

However, some schools are set to break up a little later - this will all depend on the area of your children's school.

You can find specific dates relating to your local area by using .

Scotland

School term and holiday dates vary across Scotland.

Unlike England, the Christmas holidays are set to come a little later.

Most schools in Scotland will close their gates on Thursday, December 22.

For dates specific to your area and child's school, make sure to check  ahead of time.

Wales

Term times in Wales are always very similar to those in England.

The majority of students will break up for their winter break on Friday, December 16.

is on hand to provide exact dates for each school.

Northern Ireland

For children in Northern Ireland, schools out from Friday, December 23 - just in time to enjoy festivities before Santa arrives.

When do schools restart after the winter break?

After celebrating Christmas and seeing in the New Year, it's time for children to return back to their routine and parents to once again get the school uniform ready.

Here's when schools return after the winter break.

England

Schools in England are set to return in the first full week of January.

This will most likely fall on Tuesday, January 3 as Monday, January 2 is the New Year Bank holiday.

Scotland

Scottish schools are likely to re-open their doors on Wednesday, January 4 as the Tuesday is a .

Wales

Like England, the majority of students will return to their desk on Tuesday, January 3.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will follow the same term time patter as England and Wales.

Students will start the first day of the new term on Tuesday, January 3.

Is it illegal to take your children on holiday during term time?

Parents are only allowed to let their children miss school if they are sick or have been given permission from the headteacher.

S444 (1) Education Act 1996 states that if any child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, the parent is guilty of an offence.

According to the government website you can get permission for your child to take time off school by making an application to the headteacher in advance or if there are exceptional circumstances.

It's up to the headteacher to decide if leave can be granted and for how long.

In a crackdown to stop children from missing lessons, the government have said all parents could face a £120 fine as a result of unauthorised absences.