Taking children out of school

Daughter 2 missed a whole term- as she went to school abroad. We discussed this at length with the Head and teachers - they all agree she would benefit hugely from the exchange, and if was bright and motivated enough - with parents who could help in all key subjects on return. It worked brilliantly and has been fully bilingual since. A very different proposition- and her choice entirely.

My youngest daughter is taking her brood skiing before Christmas quite properly she asked permission from the school to miss the last 3 days of term and they agreed without any hassle .
So schools are helpful if it is reasonable and I’m shure a request mid term would have been questioned.

I used to take my children out of school for a one week holiday most years as my DH had fixed holidays so it wasn't about money - we only had a cheap holiday. Back then no-one queried this. It seems that many more workers now have difficulties booking annual leave in holiday time - I don't know what the answer is.
There are occasions when schools should be flexible. When my DH died the GCs' school complained about them attending the funeral.

Can I just raise the point of those in our services who generally have proscribed holidays. I don’t know many people in the Army (for example) but they have no choice when their vacation comes along.

Re where people holiday - I think that’s really not the point. Are people cross because the families are abroad?

And finally, for some families (even, and perhaps most importantly those struggling most) a few days away from the every-day worries and environment is a godsend. It can make a family feel whole again and set them on a new, more positive trajectory.
Maybe those feeling negative about school-time holidays might like to read about the Family Holiday Association - I’ve referred families to this charity and the difference in them before and after even a couple of days away had to be seen to be believed:
www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk/

Re the FHA in the

post above, please read the “impact report” and the “why holidays” sections (under About Us)