Taking son out of school...please help!

[Debs Hill]

We want to go to WDW for Oct half term plus a week or so next year. My son starts in reception class in September and will be 4 years old. He has been at the nursery at the school since he was 2! Does anyone know what the official policy is about how long you can take the kids out for authorised absence? Is it different for every school? Would he miss much!?!! Or shoudl we go at Easter?
Please help!!!!

 

[XAVIER]

We have always taken the kids out of school for a week at whitsun half term. As long as you tell them in advance and get permission it shouldn't be a problem.

I wouldn't have thought he would miss much at that time of year.

 

[marlouwrig]

We are doing this around October half term this year. DS will be missing 7 school days. We also did this in 2002 with permission from the school. I can only take two weeks hols from work in the school summer hols every other year.

Headteachers are allowed to give up to 10 days per school year for annual hols - however this is at their discretion and the final decision rests with them. It is not an automatic right.

The school has now sent a letter home to all parents advising that with effect from this September they will no longer allow parents to remove children for family holidays. Anyone doing so without permission will have the absence classed as unauthorised and the local authorities will be notified.

Am I am about to become a criminal?

 

[AlanUK]

There is a lot of discussion about this over on the Community Board.

Here's the link..

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=549647

 

[DisneyBB]

When my DD started school she was only 4.5. I took out of school for two weeks + half term (3 week holiday) and 2 weeks at the begining of may. Legally she did not have to start school until she was 5, so they cannot make her to school. I talked to he head and he said no problem.

 

[allie5]

Yes, before the age of 5, there is no legal obligation for a child to attend school.

As has been mentioned, a lot of schools allow each child 10 days "holiday" time allowance. Im fortunate in that the school my children will be attending are sympathetic about the holiday issue and DO allow the 10 day absence. If your children attend a school that doesnt, then all I can suggest is you make up an educational pack with all the benefits of an "educational experience" at WDW. EPCOT is especially relevant as are Sea World and Busch Gardens if you are venturing off site. Try to show your child will benefit from the time away from school and see if that works.

All the best.
Allie

 

[Debs Hill]

Thanks for your advice. I think I'll talk to the headmistress now (18 months in advance) and see how she reacts! She has always been fine about him being taken out of pre-nursery and nursery, but I'm wondering if it willbe different once he starts reception class. But, as you say, he will only be 4 years old...so not legally obliged to attend.....how much can he miss in reception that couldn't be compensated for while we;re away?!!!

 

[KayleeUK]

Going to lock this thread as there is a duplicate on the Community Board