Term Time Holiday Rules Explained
Back in our day, the rules for taking your children on holiday during term time were definitely more lenient. But since new legislation came in to play back in September 2013, we’ve seen stricter rules on absence during school, granting time off only under “exceptional circumstances”.
Holidays are cheaper during term times in contrast to the demand to go away during the school holidays.
So with the growing cost of flights, and economic struggle many face, where do we find a happy medium?
At the end of the day, it is the headmasters who determine whether it’s acceptable to grant children time off during the term period, and with that, every school seems to have a different take on it.
So when exactly can I take my child on holiday?
It’s completely dependent on the school and the headmaster’s discretion. Every educational institution will follow governing regulations coupled with their own intuition to ultimately decide if it’s okay to take your child out of school.
What does this mean for us? If you do want to take your child away during term time, you must send a holiday request letter asking permission to the head teacher. That being said, no school will agree to a child missing more than 10 days of lessons during the school year unless there is a very good reason.
Why do some schools allow time off when other don’t?
This is all down to how relaxed the school, and head teacher, is about holidays during term time. If a teacher feels that the time you decide to go away is during a crucial educational period, chances are your request will be rejected. Each school has a different system, therefore important learning times will vary from one school to another.
The best thing you can do is keep in touch with your child’s teacher and headmaster. That way you’ll have the best idea of when the most appropriate time to go away is, and avoid any unnecessary issues. It’s important to consider that a school is more likely to be comfortable with a child going away if their attendance record has previously been 100%.
How can I persuade my child’s school to allow holiday leave if they say no?
99% of the time, if a school denies a holiday request, then you probably won’t be able to change their minds, and it’s probably best not to try. However, a good way of ensuring your child isn’t missing out on crucial lessons is to ask the teacher if there’s any school work you could take with you for them to work on while away. Obviously you don’t want your family holiday filled with school work, but it’s a good alternative, taking an hour or so out of your day before embracing your getaway, rather than cancelling your entire trip.
What happens if I go away anyway, ignoring the regulations?
Whatever you decide to do, we suggest you don’t underestimate the rules. You don’t want to end up like Jon Platt and many other rule-breaking parents. Mr Platt was fined after taking his daughter to Florida during term time, and ended up going to court. Be vigilant, read the new regulations and keep in close contact with your school’s headmaster. We’re all human and we all understand the basic needs of family bonding and holiday time, but schools are under strict orders to follow.
Holidays are supposed to be a happy getaway, and you don’t want to be bombarded with hassle as soon as you get back!
If you are thinking of taking a trip away, check out some of The Sun Travel’s fantastic holiday deals. Don’t like breaking the rules and struggling to get approval for time off during term-time? We’ve got some fantastic holiday deals for you to plan during the summer holidays!