Stackpole, Wales. Copyright Gretta Schifano
The UK government has introduced penalties for parents who take their children on holiday during the school term. The penalty is £60 per parent, per child and rises to £120 if it’s not paid within 21 days. Parents who don’t pay these fines can be prosecuted and may receive a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a prison sentence of up to three months as well as a Parenting Order from the Court.
This draconian system is ridiculous and unnecessary. It’s for parents and schools to decide what’s best for individual children and families, not central government. When my daughter (now 16) first started school, families could apply to the Headteacher for permission to take their children out of school. The Head would consider the application and give permission or not. This system allowed Heads to use their judgment and worked perfectly well. In contrast parents today are made to feel like criminals simply for taking their children on holiday.
I’ve written before about why I think that families should be allowed term-time holidays. This week I decided to find out what the situation is outside the UK. I contacted some family travel bloggers and friends living abroad to find out. I told them about the penalties in the UK and I asked them what happens if they take their kids out of school in order to travel. This is what they told me.
France
‘Kids miss school all the time to go on holidays, it’s at the parents’ discretion. There is no risk to taking kids out of school, but it’s not done that much, due to the childcare issues during school holidays. However they do have big problems with absenteeism as there is no real punishment for it.’ Sophie, Franglaise Mummy
Germany
‘First of all you have to get permission from the school, and it’s usually frowned upon. Then, it’s advisable that you get a letter of authority from the school that you can show to the police. It’s actually against the law to take your children out of school during term time, and you can receive a huge fine and in some cases be arrested for it. It’s not unusual to be questioned at passport control as to why you are leaving the country with children in term time.’ Emma, A Bavarian Sojourn
Greece
‘In Greece actually it is OK to take your children out of school to go on holiday. The only thing the parent has to do is to inform the school. No official paper is needed.’ Anna Atsalaki, Kids Love Greece
Italy
‘The possibility to travel during school depends on the teacher. If he/she agrees with you, it’s OK. Otherwise, perhaps he/she will penalize your children.’ Milena Marchioni, bimbi e viaggi
‘If you are absent for more than a quarter of the school year you could be failed . And they count it in hours. So my son can miss 248 hours of school.’ Jenny, Piedmont.
Netherlands
‘My understanding is there is now a fine/jail situation here. We had to go to the US for Thanksgiving this year and had to get special permission for it.’ Farrah Ritter, The Three Under
Spain
‘We usually try to travel when the kids are off, but have missed a day here and there without any problems. This time, however, we’re going to Brazil and they’ll miss school for two weeks. I talked to the teachers first and proposed the girls work on a project about Brazil they can then present to their classmates when we’re back. So, no fines.’ Patricia Zacharias Monahan, Our Whole Village
Canada
‘No one really cares here. We also have alternative schools so if you travel a lot your kids can go and just take work along etc. I’ve pulled my kids out at least a week a month.’ Sarah K. Pittard, Solo Mum Takes Flight
‘I pulled mine for a year of travel without penalty.’ Heather Greenwood Davis, who has written on her blog Globetrotting mama about about the UK situation.
‘My children are in the public school system in Vancouver. Currently, there is no penalty that I am aware of for missing school (and we certainly push the limits).’ Tara Cannon, who has written on her blog pint size pilot about taking her children out of school to travel.
Mexico
‘The Mexican school that my kids go to are very understanding about parents taking their kids out of school during term time. At the start of the year they specifically said that they understand that parents can’t always take holidays during school holidays and that some circumstances require children to miss school. They do ask, however, that kids don’t miss exam / test time.’ Katje Gaskell, globetotting.com
USA
‘We’ve taken our kids out without a problem for vacations. I always notify the school and teachers beforehand.’ Kimberley Tate, stuffed suitcase
‘We just ask and work with the teacher to assign some additional work. It usually involves writing about the places visited and presenting to the class (elementary school). Public schools here get additional monies per day / per student so attendance is good for the school. The school will still get the $ if you’re child is away but in independent study.’ Brennan Pang, Trekaroo
‘I always “ask” permission as far in advance as possible. The approach works well, because teachers always approve my request and provide homework (or excuse much of it) without complaint.’ Karen Dawkins, Family travels on a budget
‘The most I have taken my kids out for is one week. Certain school districts are sticklers about excessive absences and if they think it’s a problem will send you threatening letters, take you to court, and possibly assign a truancy officer. I have received my share of threatening letters, but it has never gone beyond that.’ Alysia Knop George, Michigal Travels
‘We get a nasty letter and a possible visit from a truant officer if the school principal is so inclined.’ Dia Wisley Adams, The Deal Mommy
As you can see, I’ve had more feedback from the US than from anywhere else. If you live in a part of the world that’s not been mentioned here, what’s the situation where you live? Can you take your kids out of school in order to go on holiday? And if you’re in the UK what do you think about the situation? Have you ever taken your kids out of school for a holiday?
Hello
I am in France, schools here have been great with me taking children out for 2 weeks in December to go away, only need to jot dates down in book and sign so teachers are aware. Much more sensible attitude then when I was in the UK and was issued with a fine 😉
It’s good to hear that the schools in France allow this – if only things could be like that in the UK.
In Finland it’s considered that holidays, and even long stays outside of the country, during the school year are part of the education. Especially with trips outside the country many teachers agree that it’s enhances the child’s education much more than the same time spent in the classroom would.
The trips are encouraged, and if it’s a long stay (a month or longer) the parents are given material for homestudy that the child needs to complete to be able to keep up with the rest of the class.
In my opinion it’s the smartest way to do things but that’s because I’m Finn myself 😉
I really think that the children learn a lot more during the trips their family that they would learn in the school. We study for the world and life, not for the school. And if the child has the possibility to experience the world and life, that is the best way to study.
Joanna Sormunen recently posted…Ripe Plantain Bananas With Cheese
What a fantastic attitude, I love it. Thank you for sharing this – it would be great if the UK government could move more towards this position one day.
Common sense should prevail and it should be done on a case by case basis as you describe it happening before.
Many families have very good reasons why only a term time holiday is possible.
Great to hear from other countries.
Liska xx
Liska @NewMumOnline recently posted…Miracles Do Happen and Mistakes Can Be Costly
Yes, the previous system was much more sensible.
I think it’s crazy to fine parents as some might only be able to afford off peak travel and therefor give their children something a school canny offer. So interesting to see different policies in this worldwide. I think it should be up to the head teacher’s discretion x
Lori recently posted…STYLE IN YOUR CITY // A NEW SERIES
A week or two spent in a different place with the family spending quality time together and experiencing so many new things is worth so much in a child’s life, I cannot understand why the laws are so harsh. It feels like we’re going backwards instead of evolving and making a better life for today’s children
Mari recently posted…Celebrating Australia Day with a glass of Sunshine Wine
I agree with you Mari.
I love how you asked other people the situations in other countries. I have to agree I believe the old procedure for term time holidays wad a good idea. I hate the new one.
Nikki Fraser recently posted…#MySundayPhoto 25/1/2015
It’s such a shame the way things are now. I think it should really be up to the school’s discretion xxx
I take my children out if school, usually in May to go abroad. I don’t see an issue without as long as they are doing well at school and their attendance is generally good. There is a lot to be learnt from holidays too; language, geography, currency, cuisine etc. I think children and families benefit from it x
Emma | The Mini Mes and Me recently posted…Silent Sunday
Well done you! Have you ever been fined?
I think it is ridiculous, especially at Primary School age! It is interesting to read how it is dealt with in different countries.
I have no problem with the fine per se but I do object to teacher strikes taking place on a school day x
Rachel recently posted…Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire
Such varied responses, from very similar to far more relaxed. Have to say I don’t understand why they changed it, the head teacher always had the ability to say no if they wanted to, so if the request was during exams, or a child already had poor attendance or had had time off already they could say no. The teachers I know are also anti the new rules, as they get the flak for it despite having no option!
Sonya. Cisco recently posted…A Lesson Learnt From Odd Shoes
I know, the teachers are just caught in the middle and they have enough stress already!
I think parents should be trusted to use their common sense
Cherished By Me recently posted…Disney’s Big Hero 6
Exactly!
In a way it is good that parents are stopped to take their kids from school. Germany is exaggerating though. In my home country Romania is ok as long as you ask for permission and it doesn’t interfere with any school projects/end of year tests.
Otilia recently posted…#GiveThanksThursday #1
Romania sounds very sensible!
Thank you for the quotation..
It’s very interesting to see the different approach to travelling during schools..
I think it would be usefull to have a strong collaboration betweet school and family: I think we all consider travelling as a fundamental part for our children’ education…
Milly recently posted…Vacanza in Toscana con bambini: divertirsi tra antichi borghi e mare
I agree – thank you for contributing to this.
I have a toddler, and we still have a bit of time before he goes to school, but I’m already dreading trying to get him on holidays. Right now I can book a ticket any time and go to see my parents back in Poland, and once he starts school I’ll have to plan it all carefully. And I won’t get the best deals on the tickets any more. Visiting my husband’s family back in Pakistan will be quite impossible too – we’re going in February for the first time, and staying long as it’s far and doesn’t come cheap – once A. is in school, I don’t know when he’ll see his grandparents again (going there in summer is tough).
I’m not entirely sure how it works in Poland, but I assume it’s a matter of an agreement with the headmaster – my aunt took her kids to China quite soon after the school year started.
Money issue aside, it’s so hard for the parents to get holidays too! We’re in quite flexible jobs now, but both used to work in places where getting a holiday in summer or for Christmas was a challenge. It’s just making parents’ lives a misery.
Joanna Imran recently posted…Let’s get ready to travel!
I know, it just puts so much unnecessary pressure on parents, especially those like you and I who have relatives abroad.
Fining parents is stupid IMO and many teachers feel the same but we have to tow the governments line.
Emma recently posted…Making Memories and win a canvas
Yes, I wouldn’t risk a fine!
Hi Gretta
My Daughter has just started Pre school and i am saddened that we will no longer be able to travel spontaneously. We love to travel.
Mary Louise recently posted…From Russia with love….
Make the most of it while you can!
I think it’s important to remember that the week away with family can be more valuable to a child than many weeks in school. It may be the only time a family can come together and put work aside. I’m all for family holidays and think there needs to be flexibility in the system and I say this as a mum and a teacher.
Emma (My Little 3 and Me) recently posted…Secret Message Valentine’s Day Cards
That’s what bothers me more than anything about the current system: many children won’t experience a family holiday because it’s so expensive to go away during the school holidays.
What a comprehensive list of the situation in other countries. I really don’t see the reason for not allowing children to take time off during term time if there was a good reason for it as long as they catch up with whatever they missed.
Mina Joshi recently posted…Waitrose hot & spicy mango chutney
Interesting. I assume these fines are applicable only for state schools?
Shobha recently posted…The Amazing Crayola Experience Tour
As far as I know, yes. My children are at state schools.
I have to say that I have no issue pulling my primary aged kids out of school for up to two weeks at a time and I have. I wouldn’t do it during the last two years of school, but THAT should be my choice
Jen aka Muminthemadhouse recently posted…How to make heart shaped sugar cubes
Exactly. Parents and teachers should be trusted to work this out in the best interests of children.
It all seems to be about statistics and numbers in the UK, interesting to read about the state of the views in other countries too 🙂
My Family Ties recently posted…House Of Fraser Clothes Review – My Family Ties
To me, it all comes down to money. I feel that parents want to take their children out in term time simply for the cost factor. As soon as holidays become cheaper in the school holidays, I think there would be a dramatic decrease in the amount of children being taken out of their lessons.
If its an ‘educational’ holiday or a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, then I can see why the old system of asking the headteacher for permission was the right way to go.
I agree. The difference in the price of travel between term-time and holidays is incredible and it means that many families can’t afford a holiday.
Hello from France.
I don’t think the comment about France is standard. In my experience it very much depends on the school – or sometimes the teacher, or even the local government authority.
It depends on the situation and the length of time etc, as well as on the ages of the kids.
Age 3-6 school is not compulsory, so there’s no problem there, but over 6, as I say, attitudes may vary from school-to-school/teacher-to-teacher, sometimes in line with local policy. (Schools are run by the communes/local mayor’s office).
Hope that’s of some use.
Cheers
Lyn.
Thank you, that’s very useful to know. It sounds like the system is similar to how it used to be in the UK.
In some countries I don’t think it would be as much of an issue because school holidays will vary across states etc. I also think that schools should have discretion, especially at primary level, and that as long as kids make up the work, it’s fine. I get very frustrated at the end of school terms where often the kids are watching DVDS when we could take them away a few days earlier….
Sarah Ebner recently posted…The trip of a lifetime – South Africa by Lila D
It’s very annoying, especially because the price of everything skyrockets as soon as the school holidays start. The old system was much better – missing a few days here and there at the start or end of term didn’t affect my kids’ progress at all.
I am in complete agreement with you about the ridiculousness of the fines – as you’ve pointed out it’s up to the parents to decide what’s best for their children. Unfortunately, I can’t see the flight operators and travel businesses reducing their prices during the holidays. My son has a two-week half term in October – but I think this should be extended in the Spring, and Summer holidays being reduced overall. For working parents, the summer is a real headache to organise – I mean these were put in place in such a different era – one where more mums stayed at home. It should definitely be up to the descretion of the Head. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t pull my son out if he were in the middle of important exams – however, a week at the end of term, where not much goes on anyway, wouldn’t ruin his ‘education’ as some would have parents believe.
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Holiday Snapshots #20 San Blas
I agree, and the stats that are quoted about the effect of missing school on pupils’ attainment are probably misleading because I think they include all kinds of absence i.e. truancy, illness etc as well as holidays.
Interesting replies, Gretta. It would seem that many countries operate on the system we used to have in the UK: discussion with the school and using common sense.
Trish – Mum’s Gone to recently posted…Oh What a Night…or two.
It’s such a shame that we don’t have that system any more – it worked fine.