FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Term-time Holidays
Term-time Holidays
Jump to: Newest in thread
| |||
| |||
"Many parents are up in arms against the government's proposal to clamp down even harder on those who take their children out of school for cheaper holidays during term time. Shouldn't they be targeting their ire at holiday companies who hike up their prices at those times? " No, its about supply and demand, the universal method of making a profit. for the airlines, accommodation providers, the travel agents, everyone, its called business. If your lucky enough to be able to afford holidays, good on you, but I imaging your in the minority now a days. | |||
| |||
"It's a case of supply and demand. We never take our kids out in school time even though we get stung loads for it in added costs, but we see it as an investment in their future. " I appreciate that travel can really be a powerful type of education. However, that would assume that all families do not do the 'bar, beach and booze' type holiday and that they actually take their children beyond a seaside resort. | |||
 | |||
| |||
"The most precious gift we have is time, and all time you spend with your children is very valuable "Unless it's time spent in a Spanish/Greek bar. | |||
"It's a case of supply and demand. We never take our kids out in school time even though we get stung loads for it in added costs, but we see it as an investment in their future. I appreciate that travel can really be a powerful type of education. However, that would assume that all families do not do the 'bar, beach and booze' type holiday and that they actually take their children beyond a seaside resort. " We always mix beach with sightseeing. Don't do bars and booze. | |||
"That's capitalism. I am shocked at the petition to keep 'holiday' time outside of the sanctioned holidays. The 10 days discretionary time off was not for holidays as such but things like funerals, maybe returning a little later or starting a day early. It was always discretionary and I can't see why that shouldn't continue. Those arguing that their kids learn more on their holidays to Greece, Italy and France seem to forget those others that will be going to a Butlins or theme park. Or are they really saying that they are able to afford holidays and want them on their terms and stuff everybody else? " Well I've signed the petition as I would like to be able to take my kids away.... and all my kids schools actually prosecute if you do take them away... I think you should be able to have one week in total a year without fear of prosecution... | |||
"It's a case of supply and demand. We never take our kids out in school time even though we get stung loads for it in added costs, but we see it as an investment in their future. I appreciate that travel can really be a powerful type of education. However, that would assume that all families do not do the 'bar, beach and booze' type holiday and that they actually take their children beyond a seaside resort. We always mix beach with sightseeing. Don't do bars and booze. " Neither did I. But the fact is that many do. I know children who have been going to Spain for years and don't know anything about the culture or language. | |||
| |||
| |||
"havent been away on holiday for many a year. V hasnt been able to take her kids on holiday since the eldest was about 10 (he is 26 now) i can see why schools wouldnt want kids to be taken out during term time, but then i kind of think, 'well, what difference can a week really make out of a school year'? especially now they are at school 2 years longer. and now they are talking about shortening school holidays, so making it even more difficult, and expensive, for parents to take the children away. i would maybe ban it for those studying for upcoming exams, but as long as there is due warning, organisation, and the child is prepared to work harder upon their return to catch up, then i really dont see the harm" I think its a bit like school uniforms, school should be a sanctuary, a place of calm, safety and support, it should provide equality and stability to children, that many may not get at home. Speaking as an x teacher, it is easier to provide the right environment only if there is a level playing field, allowing children to have holidays in school term time can create a feeling of being left out, "why can my friend have a holiday, and I cant ?" Some parents have more money, bigger houses better jobs, bigger cars, school can and should create a level playing field for all children, the purpose of school is to educate and the parents should fit in with whats best for their child, not what is best for them. One solution would be to use outward bound centres, so every child has a holiday, at least once a year with their friends and fellow classmates. In term time, and it would be an educational experience as well. | |||
| |||
| |||
" I think its a bit like school uniforms, school should be a sanctuary, a place of calm, safety and support, it should provide equality and stability to children, that many may not get at home. Speaking as an x teacher, it is easier to provide the right environment only if there is a level playing field, allowing children to have holidays in school term time can create a feeling of being left out, "why can my friend have a holiday, and I cant ?" Some parents have more money, bigger houses better jobs, bigger cars, school can and should create a level playing field for all children, the purpose of school is to educate and the parents should fit in with whats best for their child, not what is best for them. One solution would be to use outward bound centres, so every child has a holiday, at least once a year with their friends and fellow classmates. In term time, and it would be an educational experience as well." around here, they do. they send the kids to Arthog once a year, cant remember if its in term time, or during the holidays now, as i have no contact with schools. however, this costs, so it still is just for those that can find the money. yes, there is help available for parents that cant afford the full costs, but then you have to send your child with the appropriate outward bound gear, and shell suits and trainers arent really any good for hiking lol | |||
| |||
| |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. " And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. | |||
| |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out" In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. " so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? | |||
"My kids schools do trips... but I can't afford 250quid per child... also family holidays are I think important... I can get one paid for by a charity because I have a disabled child.. but..... it's during term time so can't take it. " I think all schools should have free trips for all. And in the case of a disabled child being offered a holiday from a charity then that should be permitted if it's the only chance a child would have of a holiday. | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? " It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? | |||
"My kids schools do trips... but I can't afford 250quid per child... also family holidays are I think important... I can get one paid for by a charity because I have a disabled child.. but..... it's during term time so can't take it. I think all schools should have free trips for all. And in the case of a disabled child being offered a holiday from a charity then that should be permitted if it's the only chance a child would have of a holiday. "  | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. " I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? " School in the same education area have the holidays at the same time. But not every school in the UK at the same time. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays." Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? " Schools don't have to be hundreds of miles apart to have different holidays. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays." I think this is a time for a parent to use discretion, rules are rules, and no one working at a school will tell you, you can break the rules. Its more than their job is worth! If I was in the same position I would have the holiday, even if it meant missing one day of school, when my child went to school I would give them a note explaining the absence. But I wouldn't mention a holiday. I would simply say due to family circumstances. Sometimes we have to present a fait accomplais, and you couldn't be fined. for family circumstances, unless it happened a lot. | |||
" Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. " If only.. next week my kids are off 3days... one is off Monday, two Thursday and the last Friday.. as they are at 3 different schools | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. " Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?  | |||
| |||
 | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. I think this is a time for a parent to use discretion, rules are rules, and no one working at a school will tell you, you can break the rules. Its more than their job is worth! If I was in the same position I would have the holiday, even if it meant missing one day of school, when my child went to school I would give them a note explaining the absence. But I wouldn't mention a holiday. I would simply say due to family circumstances. Sometimes we have to present a fait accomplais, and you couldn't be fined. for family circumstances, unless it happened a lot." Isn't it a bit like pulling a sickie after your holiday request at work has been turned down though? They are going to know she's already requested that day off. That's the problem with trying to be honest  | |||
| |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate? "So many nitpicker on today. Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself. Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather. If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on. | |||
"I applied properly... so would look very suspect if I then said the same day was for family reasons.. They are really strict ... but then my daughter is in year 10" we live and learn, next time it wont be a problem, I only ever ask questions that I know the likely answers to! | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. I think this is a time for a parent to use discretion, rules are rules, and no one working at a school will tell you, you can break the rules. Its more than their job is worth! If I was in the same position I would have the holiday, even if it meant missing one day of school, when my child went to school I would give them a note explaining the absence. But I wouldn't mention a holiday. I would simply say due to family circumstances. Sometimes we have to present a fait accomplais, and you couldn't be fined. for family circumstances, unless it happened a lot. Isn't it a bit like pulling a sickie after your holiday request at work has been turned down though? They are going to know she's already requested that day off. That's the problem with trying to be honest "There are policies in place where the Senior leadership have to contact the parents by telephone if there is no valid reason for the child not to be in school - think agga - do playing in the background might be a give away | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
"Schools have to have a certain number of INSET days a year. They don't just do it when they feel like a day eating biscuits and drinking tea in the staff room. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
"I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined? | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
Schools have to have a certain number of INSET days a year. They don't just do it when they feel like a day eating biscuits and drinking tea in the staff room."Why can they not have teacher training in the summer holidays? After all if they fine you for having a kids out of school for ONE day as every day counts they say. | |||
| |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
Schools have to have a certain number of INSET days a year. They don't just do it when they feel like a day eating biscuits and drinking tea in the staff room.
Why can they not have teacher training in the summer holidays? After all if they fine you for having a kids out of school for ONE day as every day counts they say."You clearly have very strong views on a system which has been in place for a great many years. INSET days are deemed necessary to maintain teaching standards - but if you held them in the summer holidays, you'd then have to extend the holidays. This is because the government dictate length of holiday, training and everyfuckingthing else that state schools do. Write to Michael Gove with your thoughts, he seems like an amiable chap. I'm sure you'd get on | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays." Not the school's fault though. This is government edict. Schools are allowed no discretion. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined? "It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time. If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault. Every day counts at school. Even the school say this. Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time. The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend. And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened. | |||
" You clearly have very strong views on a system which has been in place for a great many years. INSET days are deemed necessary to maintain teaching standards - but if you held them in the summer holidays, you'd then have to extend the holidays. This is because the government dictate length of holiday, training and everyfuckingthing else that state schools do. Write to Michael Gove with your thoughts, he seems like an amiable chap. I'm sure you'd get on "Love it  | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? School in the same education area have the holidays at the same time. But not every school in the UK at the same time. " No they don't. Primary schools can have different holidays from secondary schools even if they are next to each other! ! | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
Schools have to have a certain number of INSET days a year. They don't just do it when they feel like a day eating biscuits and drinking tea in the staff room.
Why can they not have teacher training in the summer holidays? After all if they fine you for having a kids out of school for ONE day as every day counts they say.
You clearly have very strong views on a system which has been in place for a great many years. INSET days are deemed necessary to maintain teaching standards - but if you held them in the summer holidays, you'd then have to extend the holidays. This is because the government dictate length of holiday, training and everyfuckingthing else that state schools do.
Write to Michael Gove with your thoughts, he seems like an amiable chap. I'm sure you'd get on "Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. Yes the government dictate the length are to a large part when. I saying they schools should say when and have them at differing times. So they kids can have a holiday and for parents not to be ript off over the cost of them. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined?
It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time.
If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault.
Every day counts at school. Even the school say this.
Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time.
The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend.
And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened.
"And schools have a finite budget and may not be able to afford to heat a huge empty building for two days. It's a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't. Furthermore, schools are not in the position of being able to determine a lot of thibgs which are usually decided by the LEA who are directed by central government. The constant call to fine schools over matters out of their cobtrol, therefore, is largely redundant. | |||
| |||
" Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. " I'd love to tell you why, however as I'm not an education minister I feel a little ill-equipped. I'm not sure whether a teacher would like this idea or not, but given that a lot of school 'holidays' are spent with teachers in school working, they may be reluctant to give up even more of their own time. Just a thought. My final note, as I fear your argument is becoming a little blustery... If you had your way and fined schools as you suggested, the school budget would be depleted significantly. Who suffers then? The very children whose interests you claim to have at the forefront of your debate  | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined?
It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time.
If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault.
Every day counts at school. Even the school say this.
Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time.
The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend.
And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened.
And schools have a finite budget and may not be able to afford to heat a huge empty building for two days. It's a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Furthermore, schools are not in the position of being able to determine a lot of thibgs which are usually decided by the LEA who are directed by central government. The constant call to fine schools over matters out of their cobtrol, therefore, is largely redundant. "Any fine would be taken from money paid to the school for the children's education - not the children's fault - why should they suffer. | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? School in the same education area have the holidays at the same time. But not every school in the UK at the same time. " Actually not all schools in the same LEA have the same term dates. Academies have the freedom to choose their own term dates though I don't think many have drastically altered the timetable thus far. It came to my attention recently when I was offered an interview at a local secondary academy and was confused as to how I was going to do a trial lesson when it was the summer holidays. This prompted me to compare their term dates with those of the LEA and they were very different, not only that the school has 4 weeks off for summer and half terms (most 2 weeks long) are at different times to the 'standard' ones. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined?
It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time.
If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault.
Every day counts at school. Even the school say this.
Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time.
The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend.
And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened.
And schools have a finite budget and may not be able to afford to heat a huge empty building for two days. It's a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Furthermore, schools are not in the position of being able to determine a lot of thibgs which are usually decided by the LEA who are directed by central government. The constant call to fine schools over matters out of their cobtrol, therefore, is largely redundant. "Fair point but a lot cheaper than have to pay to fix all the damage to the building. Insurers did not pay out in one case as the heating should of been felt on low if it was below zero, was in the policy. We are getting way of point anyway the school /LEA all say kids have to be in school but are happy to kick them out of the day when is suites the school/ LEA. This is wrong, they might be nothing we can do about it. But if people started making it a issue then it might change. I know a number of mom that have sent a letter to the school fining them for the school be closed. Okay they did not get any money but the made the point of view know. Anyway peace people. | |||
" Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. I'd love to tell you why, however as I'm not an education minister I feel a little ill-equipped. I'm not sure whether a teacher would like this idea or not, but given that a lot of school 'holidays' are spent with teachers in school working, they may be reluctant to give up even more of their own time. Just a thought. My final note, as I fear your argument is becoming a little blustery... If you had your way and fined schools as you suggested, the school budget would be depleted significantly. Who suffers then? The very children whose interests you claim to have at the forefront of your debate "The current misconception about school holidays is that teachers are paid for them. They aren't and they cannot change them. Would anyone like to be forced to go in to work on their hols if not being paid? | |||
" Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. Yes the government dictate the length are to a large part when. I saying they schools should say when and have them at differing times. So they kids can have a holiday and for parents not to be ript off over the cost of them. " Have you actually witnessed the vast amount of topics and workload that children have to do these days? It's quite frightening to think that we are overworking our children just for performance tables. 6 hours is a long day for most children....a 7 week term is a very long time for children. Many narrow minded opinions focus on the teachers...does it not 'hit home' that it's the children who need the holidays to rest and also de-stress! Approximately 60% of a teacher's workload is completely in those 6 hours. That equates to approximately 4 hours a day working without the responsibility of 30 children. Not to mention class prep time and continuous training needs. Holidays are just one of very few perks of being a teacher. Otherwise, they work their arses off! I just wish more people would search for facts and answers to their questions instead of attacks snipes at something they have minimal knowledge of. However, I do believe that those of you who have said "term times should be staggered with every school", have a good point. At least the holiday companies could no longer charge 'peak' rates and would have to have a flat rate for holidays. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined?
It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time.
If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault.
Every day counts at school. Even the school say this.
Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time.
The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend.
And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened.
And schools have a finite budget and may not be able to afford to heat a huge empty building for two days. It's a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Furthermore, schools are not in the position of being able to determine a lot of thibgs which are usually decided by the LEA who are directed by central government. The constant call to fine schools over matters out of their cobtrol, therefore, is largely redundant.
Fair point but a lot cheaper than have to pay to fix all the damage to the building. Insurers did not pay out in one case as the heating should of been felt on low if it was below zero, was in the policy.
We are getting way of point anyway the school /LEA all say kids have to be in school but are happy to kick them out of the day when is suites the school/ LEA.
This is wrong, they might be nothing we can do about it. But if people started making it a issue then it might change.
I know a number of mom that have sent a letter to the school fining them for the school be closed. Okay they did not get any money but the made the point of view know.
Anyway peace people.
"This bit in particular: "We are getting way of point anyway the school /LEA all say kids have to be in school but are happy to kick them out of the day when is suites the school/ LEA. " The LEA says all kids have to be in school for a set number of days per year minimum. As long as children are in school for that number of days then what they do with the rest of the days is up to them! | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? School in the same education area have the holidays at the same time. But not every school in the UK at the same time. " That's the point. They wouldn't if you allowed a big change. As it is in London you could have two children in different school boroughs as you live on a border and experience holidays at different times. The change the market place rates you would need to break it down further than school districts. All this would do is extend the high price period at either end of the summer. | |||
"As I can't take my kids on holiday during term time, we don't Have one. It is total madness to dictate quite as much as they are... I wanted to take my kids away this weekend... but as I would need them to have Monday off it was refused... so yet again my kids miss out In this instance I would suggest using your discretion and phoning into school on the Monday to say they won't be in. One day's 'unauthorised' absence, if accompanied by a phone call, would not ignite the fine process. I asked... it was refused.. school policy is no discretion for holidays. Next time the school is closed send them a bill, like the fine letter you get. Closed for an inset day? When teachers still go in to train? Closed due to weather? For pupils' safety? Or closed for holidays? Which schools and teachers don't dictate?
So many nitpicker on today.
Do I have to hold your hand and tell you everything, or can you work something out for yourself.
Why would you charge a school for the normal school holidays or bad weather.
If they school should be open and is not then bill them. ie. teacher training days or teacher on strike, no heating or water at the school and so on.
I'd rather you didn't hold my hand, thank you anyway
Would you rather children attended school with no heating or water? Or had teachers who weren't up to date with teaching and learning pedagogy?
I haven't ever heard of a school closing without a valid reason, so fail to see how or when they could be fined?
It is the duty of the school to keep the school building in a good SAFE state of repair at all time.
If they are stupid to turn the heating full off over the week are then a pipe bust and the school in flood and take out the boiler. They yes it is the school fault.
Every day counts at school. Even the school say this.
Why do we fine people for speeding, to make them think about not doing it the next time.
The same goes for schools, £60 times say 400 kids is a lot more than keep the heating on over the weekend.
And yes I know a number of schools where this has happened.
And schools have a finite budget and may not be able to afford to heat a huge empty building for two days. It's a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Furthermore, schools are not in the position of being able to determine a lot of thibgs which are usually decided by the LEA who are directed by central government. The constant call to fine schools over matters out of their cobtrol, therefore, is largely redundant.
Fair point but a lot cheaper than have to pay to fix all the damage to the building. Insurers did not pay out in one case as the heating should of been felt on low if it was below zero, was in the policy.
We are getting way of point anyway the school /LEA all say kids have to be in school but are happy to kick them out of the day when is suites the school/ LEA.
This is wrong, they might be nothing we can do about it. But if people started making it a issue then it might change.
I know a number of mom that have sent a letter to the school fining them for the school be closed. Okay they did not get any money but the made the point of view know.
Anyway peace people.
"Schools are not a babysitting service. Schools are not in existence to punish parents. Schools are not there to piss off parents and be awkward. Schools have certain rules and restrictions imposed on them. The point of the thread is about hiw the GOVERNMENT want to come down harder on parents who take children out of school for holidays. This will be out of the schools' control so debating school-based decisions misses the point. | |||
" Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. I'd love to tell you why, however as I'm not an education minister I feel a little ill-equipped. I'm not sure whether a teacher would like this idea or not, but given that a lot of school 'holidays' are spent with teachers in school working, they may be reluctant to give up even more of their own time. Just a thought. My final note, as I fear your argument is becoming a little blustery... If you had your way and fined schools as you suggested, the school budget would be depleted significantly. Who suffers then? The very children whose interests you claim to have at the forefront of your debate
The current misconception about school holidays is that teachers are paid for them. They aren't and they cannot change them. Would anyone like to be forced to go in to work on their hols if not being paid? " | |||
| |||
"I sat in an assembly where the class absence rates were read out. Each class competes to have the lowest absence rate and the children get rewarded with an extra 5 minutes of play time. The kids take it seriously but parents don't. " Absolutely agree there. My children's school changed their timetable last year for a few reasons, meaning that school starts earlier each day and finishes at 1.15pm on Fridays (though there are excellent groups and clubs mostly run by outside agencies - drama, art, karate, cooking - for those who want to stay till 3.15pm). Sadly a lot of parents no longer see the point of sending their children to school for half a day on Friday and the attendance rates plummeted, because the parents can't be bothered. And if the parents can't be bothered what message is it sending to the children? I find the whole thing really worrying. | |||
" Nope just cannot see why a training day for teachers with no kids in school cannot be done in the holidays without have to have long holidays for the kids! Care to tell why? Only thing I can think of is it is in their contract, I can see the teacher would not like this, but what is best for the kids. I'd love to tell you why, however as I'm not an education minister I feel a little ill-equipped. I'm not sure whether a teacher would like this idea or not, but given that a lot of school 'holidays' are spent with teachers in school working, they may be reluctant to give up even more of their own time. Just a thought. My final note, as I fear your argument is becoming a little blustery... If you had your way and fined schools as you suggested, the school budget would be depleted significantly. Who suffers then? The very children whose interests you claim to have at the forefront of your debate
The current misconception about school holidays is that teachers are paid for them. They aren't and they cannot change them. Would anyone like to be forced to go in to work on their hols if not being paid? "They are paid as they receive a salary over 52 weeks. That is unless they are supply teachers who receive a higher hourly rate. | |||
| |||
 | |||
| |||
"They are not paid for school holidays. They are paid a lump sum for the time they are contracted to be in school. Just because that lump sum is divided into 12 monthly installments does not mean they are paid for holidays. Many schools have teachers in to do revision over the hols but they have to pay them extra as it is beyond what they are contractually paid to do. Supply teachers work for private agencies and so are not under the same contract. And this thread is about a decision from central government not schools or teachers. " Sorry it does mean they're paid as the money goes into the bank. And it was you who bought it up first so no need to get narky about it | |||
"They are not paid for school holidays. They are paid a lump sum for the time they are contracted to be in school. Just because that lump sum is divided into 12 monthly installments does not mean they are paid for holidays. Many schools have teachers in to do revision over the hols but they have to pay them extra as it is beyond what they are contractually paid to do. Supply teachers work for private agencies and so are not under the same contract. And this thread is about a decision from central government not schools or teachers. Sorry it does mean they're paid as the money goes into the bank. And it was you who bought it up first so no need to get narky about it " Nothing 'narky' about it. You are simply wrong and there's no need for rudeness. I wasn't rude to you. | |||
"They are not paid for school holidays. They are paid a lump sum for the time they are contracted to be in school. Just because that lump sum is divided into 12 monthly installments does not mean they are paid for holidays. Many schools have teachers in to do revision over the hols but they have to pay them extra as it is beyond what they are contractually paid to do. Supply teachers work for private agencies and so are not under the same contract. And this thread is about a decision from central government not schools or teachers. Sorry it does mean they're paid as the money goes into the bank. And it was you who bought it up first so no need to get narky about it Nothing 'narky' about it. You are simply wrong and there's no need for rudeness. I wasn't rude to you. " 
I wasn't being rude you made the comment about the thread being about decisions yet you said that teachers didn't get paid for school holidays. The person I spoke to considers that teachers are paid for holidays ( she's a teacher ) so how am I wrong ? | |||
| |||
"I don't care what the person you spoke to said you are wrong. I've been teaching for 20 years and have worked on supply. I know what my contract is. And calling someone narky is rude. There was no need for a personal comment. I did not make one. " Well then the teacher I know who's been doing it about the se time as you dosnt know what she's talking about. And I didn't call you narky I said stop being narky as your reply was rude in my opinion | |||
| |||
| |||
"No it really wasn't. You and your friend are wrong. And I'm not pursuing this any further as you are clearly not going to let it go. I didn't open the thread for a slanging match. Please feel free to have the last word. " Your obviously right as you must be the only teacher In the country so please accept my apologies | |||
| |||
| |||
"I can't see companies being very happy with all the parents wanting the same week off work as the only time we can take the kids away is during the hols. I also can't afford to take the boys away during hols." That's the point. Shouldn't we be taking the holiday companies to task rather than parents? | |||
"No it really wasn't. You and your friend are wrong. And I'm not pursuing this any further as you are clearly not going to let it go. I didn't open the thread for a slanging match. Please feel free to have the last word. Your obviously right as you must be the only teacher In the country so please accept my apologies "Most jobs have paid leave, would you go into work on one of your paid leave days for training or would you expect, like most people, to either do it on a normal working day or to be paid for your extra for it? ie you receive your holiday pay + a days wages for the time you spent at work when you should have been elsewhere. When I was at school, my parents couldn't afford to take us on package holidays etc in term time or out of term time. We went camping. 
You could say the holiday companies are profiteering at the expense of parents. Some will say it is capitalism at its finest...
Can your child catch up with the week or two's work before they return to school, they could be holding the other 29 or so children up if the teacher has to backtrack one or two weeks with them to ensure they are able to understand what their lessons have moved onto.
As a country our younger people seem to be slipping further and further down the literacy and numeracy 'leagues' when compared to other countries so the government wants to be seen to be minimising the time lost schooling the younger generation.
Maybe they should be making decisions on children's ability to catch up or get ahead of the ciriculem before the holiday.
Staggering holiday periods may work for some but not for others and could produce problems around Christmas and Easter which is a traditional time for people with set holidays to have time off.
Other options would involve either not tell the truth to the school and phoning them in sick or not paying the fine, I'm not a lawyer but does a local authority have the legal right to fine people like a court of law does for non attendance. | |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
"Curriculum " Ha ha oops  | |||
"The simple fix for all of this. Move the school holidays so they are not all at the same time. And charge the school for every time the school is closed and the kids cannot go in. And if you have children at different schools? Child care costs are prohibitive for many working parents. so you have kids going to schools 100 of miles apart? It's not about that. But let's say you have children at primary and at secondary. If they have holidays at different times and you work how would you cope? School in the same education area have the holidays at the same time. But not every school in the UK at the same time. " No they don't. A lot of the secondary schools are now academy's and as such set their own terms and holidays. I have a friend with a child in primary school and a child in an academy secondary school and their holidays rarely coincide!! | |||
"The pathetic attempts of emotional blackmail from parents really gets on my tits! "I can't take my children on holiday" What utter bollox! What they mean is they can't have the holiday the parents want. IF the parents really did just want to make sure the kids had 'a holiday' they would consider options beyond a package deal to Marbella. " Pretty much this. Is there a hotline for reporting kids on holiday possibly without permission during term-time? We always take our holidays during term-time, and there's always loads of kids running around, screaming and generally pissing us off. Any new laws that keep them in school when they should be in school can only be a good thing. | |||
| |||
"It seems to me that parents take children out of school to save money on holidays. This is because holiday companies hike up the prices during school holidays. So, if the government makes it even harder for parents to take holidays during term time then that gives the green light to those companies for their unfair pricing and could even result in even higher prices. " The holiday companies are charging excessive amounts during school breaks, but what can be done about it? If the holidays are selling out they will keep on increasing prices until they don't and then drop the prices a little until they do sell out again. Until the majority of people think bollocks to that, are going to continue to do it. It's the free market society we live in, for good or bad. The government doesn't like interfering with it much either. It's much easier for them to fine the parents who take their children out of school in the term time. What would you do? | |||
"It seems to me that parents take children out of school to save money on holidays. This is because holiday companies hike up the prices during school holidays. So, if the government makes it even harder for parents to take holidays during term time then that gives the green light to those companies for their unfair pricing and could even result in even higher prices. The holiday companies are charging excessive amounts during school breaks, but what can be done about it? If the holidays are selling out they will keep on increasing prices until they don't and then drop the prices a little until they do sell out again. Until the majority of people think bollocks to that, are going to continue to do it. It's the free market society we live in, for good or bad. The government doesn't like interfering with it much either. It's much easier for them to fine the parents who take their children out of school in the term time. What would you do?" Not sure to be honest. I'd like to see a limit placed on pricing but how that could be accomplished I have no clue. | |||
| |||
| |||
"It seems to me that parents take children out of school to save money on holidays. This is because holiday companies hike up the prices during school holidays. So, if the government makes it even harder for parents to take holidays during term time then that gives the green light to those companies for their unfair pricing and could even result in even higher prices. The holiday companies are charging excessive amounts during school breaks, but what can be done about it? If the holidays are selling out they will keep on increasing prices until they don't and then drop the prices a little until they do sell out again. Until the majority of people think bollocks to that, are going to continue to do it. It's the free market society we live in, for good or bad. The government doesn't like interfering with it much either. It's much easier for them to fine the parents who take their children out of school in the term time. What would you do? Not sure to be honest. I'd like to see a limit placed on pricing but how that could be accomplished I have no clue. " They always find the loopholes though don't they, you'd find all the all inclusive deals disappearing or they'd start charging for sun loungers and towels... Any increases in taxes would be passed on. When you see the price difference between the school holidays and term time it is extortionate. I suppose as always it boils down to the haves and the have nots and is a sign of the times we live in. As a child we went around Europe in a VW camper and I sort of felt hard done by at the time, now I would take that over a beach resort holiday any day of the week. The though of an all inclusive hotel deal fills me with dread. | |||
"The pathetic attempts of emotional blackmail from parents really gets on my tits! "I can't take my children on holiday" What utter bollox! What they mean is they can't have the holiday the parents want. IF the parents really did just want to make sure the kids had 'a holiday' they would consider options beyond a package deal to Marbella. Pretty much this. Is there a hotline for reporting kids on holiday possibly without permission during term-time? We always take our holidays during term-time, and there's always loads of kids running around, screaming and generally pissing us off. Any new laws that keep them in school when they should be in school can only be a good thing." my thoughts exactly | |||
| |||
