What would you do? So confused...update

[thelittlemermaid83]

I'm really confused about what to do for next year, i priced up the HNY for the 2nd week in October using this years prices and they had a extra night free, and with Hb prem vouchers it was £835......I paid the same as that for 4 nights at the Cheyenne for my trip just gone. Is that expensive or not, I really want to stay at the HNY but not sure i can justify paying that much again. I think we may have to downgrade to plus vouchers and pay the extra for the Auberge (anyone know how much extra that would be on top of the vouchers).

I think i'm clinging onto the hope of 40% off again, I don't really want another free food offer as tbh me and DD don't eat that much.

I also want to stay at the HNY but it looks like we will either end up at the Santa Fe (shudder ) or the Cheyenne which i do love but would love a change.

Also has anyone taken there kids out during there first few weeks or reception at school? At Kyra's school they alternate between mornings and afternoons till after October half term then they start full time, so do you think 5 days of not being there will make any difference? (She's in the nursery there so shes no stranger to the surroundings, she spends most days in the reception class anyway). Right now i can't even justify paying the prices for going during half term.

Appreciate any advice. Maybe they will do cheap prices for Xmas next year instead (I know im clinging to thin air here )

 

[DLPdaft]

Last year in October they had an early booker offer (which I think you've seen before?) of £100 off per room booking, so long as you booked before the end of April.

Towards the end of Summer, they also had a 25% off offer, which also covered certainly the first 2 weeks of October.

As to taking Kyra out of school, thats always going to be down to the parent in my opinion.
I take my DD out of school to go to DLRP every year - her school has a policy which allows, with no question, up to 10 days term time authorised absence each year, so long as you tell them in advance. The only restriction I've ever had to that was when she was in year 2, SATs year, and even then the only period they didn't want the children taking absences was in the Easter term (ie April through to the end of May). As far as I'm concerned, as my DD is doing very well at school, is almost never off sick etc (even with her trips to Disney in term time, her attendance record is never below 94% for the whole school year) and her teachers have no problem with her in school hours, then I don't consider a few days out to do her any harm.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Last year in October they had an early booker offer (which I think you've seen before?) of £100 off per room booking, so long as you booked before the end of April.

Towards the end of Summer, they also had a 25% off offer, which also covered certainly the first 2 weeks of October.

As to taking Kyra out of school, thats always going to be down to the parent in my opinion.
I take my DD out of school to go to DLRP every year - her school has a policy which allows, with no question, up to 10 days term time authorised absence each year, so long as you tell them in advance. The only restriction I've ever had to that was when she was in year 2, SATs year, and even then the only period they didn't want the children taking absences was in the Easter term (ie April through to the end of May). As far as I'm concerned, as my DD is doing very well at school, is almost never off sick etc (even with her trips to Disney in term time, her attendance record is never below 94% for the whole school year) and her teachers have no problem with her in school hours, then I don't consider a few days out to do her any harm.

Kyra' school also allow 10 days leave but only under special circumstances, not sure it it involves holidays to DLRP . I told myself i would never take her out during school time but after adding up my finances and savings there is no way right now we can even take a break anywhere during half term. Plus tbh I don't think my anxiety could handle the crowds.

I would perfer 40% off to a early booker Also not sure if DD would appreciate Halloween as she gets freaked out quite easily. She's at that age where she is consious of her surroundings and can speak up easily if she destests something (such as ToT and Crush ). Thing is having 2trips to DLP during Xmas (3 in Nov) i would like to see a different season, but i obv don't want to upset the little one.

 

[Verity Chambers]

:Emma, I'm a reception class teacher and this is a popular time to take children out of school due to prices. I have no problem with them going out of school, but I personally would steer clear of the first few weeks as this is such an important settling time for the children as they learn new routines and develop new friendships and relationships with staff. Mid October, maybe before half term would be a better bet. At the end of the day it's your decision.

 

[wideeyes]

I love the HNY too, however I would also be happy to stay at the Cheyenne if that is what I could only afford. That is not a bad price though. If it is going to be your one trip of the year than I would go for it.

About the school, I have taken my DD out 3times for DLRP & WDW and I am going to take her out again for DLRP however I would never take her out at the start of a new term again as last year we went WDW at the start of september and it took her a while to settle in, she prefers starting a new term with everyone else however it depends on your DD, my DD can be shy and worries about things. I am not worried about her getting behind with schooling as she is very good at school work.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

:Emma, I'm a reception class teacher and this is a popular time to take children out of school due to prices. I have no problem with them going out of school, but I personally would steer clear of the first few weeks as this is such an important settling time for the children as they learn new routines and develop new friendships and relationships with staff. Mid October, maybe before half term would be a better bet. At the end of the day it's your decision.

Thanks Verity, i think if she was starting a new school i would'nt even consider it. I also have ruled out taking her at out within the first 3/4 weeks as i want her to get used to the morning and lunch routine so it leaves us with Oct, fireworks in November, or early Xmas season.

Wish i could go more then once next year but i have to pay for 2 rooms to get decorated, otherwise we would prob gone in March or early June.

 

[scampbunny]

emma
know ur pain atm - we are having to price up for half term next october, and am dreading prices going up, and hoping for sum sort of good deal!!!

as for school - we took fin out beginning of dec last year, and managed to choose the week they did the xmas play!!!!!!!!!!!! so pls dont do december, as they are sooooooo unpredictable with christmas school activities!!! lol

we are allowed 10 days, but it is all dependant on attendance prior to the requested dates..... they have a weird points system, and sumhow work it out..... we are takin fin out of school this yr for centre parcs (grumble grumble) BUT, we cud end up with time off due to hospital appointments, which wud go against him (how lovely is our area, penalise a child for time of for hospital - like they love going there!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

u shud be ok, but maybe think of what im hoping to do - take one/two days off just before half term, so still get the cheap dates, still not too busy, but not much time off school - best of both worlds lol

actually - meant to say, cay will have just started, so i will be taking him too lol another reason to hope for a couple of days, but know which hed def prefer - school/disney...................... DISNEY!!!!!!!

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Thanks Nikki, i will for sure check when they do the Navity...will get rough idea when they do it this year, would hate for Kyra to miss it next year as she will get a staring role instead of sitting in the corner this year singing

I think its awful to penalize a child for having to go to the hospital during school time, I know some children have to go speech therapy when its during school hours and they don't get told off. Our system is disgusting, schools in Europe don't send there children to school untill they are what 6 or 7, yet we have to send them at such a young age.

 

[DLPdaft]

I know this is going a bit off topic, but you know, in England and Wales you don't have to send your child to school until the term in which they are 5 and a half years old. If we lived in Scotland, my daughter wouldn't have started school until a year later than she did here in England. Personally, I felt my daughter was more than ready for full-time school, and she has thrived on it.

I have experience of a country where they don't start formal schooling until age 7, my husband is Turkish, and went through the school system there. From what I understand from his sisters, who live in Turkey and who send their children to school there, the children are plunged straight in at age 7, with mountains of homework, and learning by rote (a lot like I did at primary school when I was that age). It is a massive shock to their system if they haven't attended their equivalent of nursery school beforehand (which is completely optional).

I think there are many reasons to be proud of the standards of education that are available to our children here in the UK.

Anyhoo, back to DLRP - so are you going to keep looking out for those bargain trips for next October ?

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

I know this is going a bit off topic, but you know, in England and Wales you don't have to send your child to school until the term in which they are 5 and a half years old. If we lived in Scotland, my daughter wouldn't have started school until a year later than she did here in England. Personally, I felt my daughter was more than ready for full-time school, and she has thrived on it.

I have experience of a country where they don't start formal schooling until age 7, my husband is Turkish, and went through the school system there. From what I understand from his sisters, who live in Turkey and who send their children to school there, the children are plunged straight in at age 7, with mountains of homework, and learning by rote (a lot like I did at primary school when I was that age). It is a massive shock to their system if they haven't attended their equivalent of nursery school beforehand (which is completely optional).

I think there are many reasons to be proud of the standards of education that are available to our children here in the UK.

Anyhoo, back to DLRP - so are you going to keep looking out for those bargain trips for next October ?

I did consider holding Kyra back and starting her in January instead of September but she would be devasted not being able to start with her friends.

I'm deffo going to look out for any bargains for Oct, when did the 40% offer come into play was it feb time?

 

[scampbunny]

dont get me started on schools and the holidays - annoys me - espec that, ok they are going sumwhere fun, but its another country & culture, and we teach fin bits of french, and he enjoys it and also the reaction back from ppl that he says it to........ surely thats educational, as they are learning about the world etc

anyhow - yes, check out the dates.... we had the school play, a party, and a final day panto (beauty and the beast - fin was in heaven lol) but we went 8th to 11th of dec thinking wed be ok, but the play was on 8th!!!!!!!!!!!!! too early, and of course i felt bad, but what cud i do??? (and when given the choice, fin opted for disney anyhow )

ok, am gonna have to leave dis for the night, all the tr i read, and this discussion on bookin hols (even if its next year) is makin me wanna go now lol guess i also need to get sorted for tomorro............ back to work bleurghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[PJackson]

As you know, my DD1 has just started reception and is still doing part days. She is enjoying it but already learning so much plus settling in which does take weeks esp if they are only part time (she too was in the nursery at the school beforehand but believe me it's totally different - a huge learning curve for them as they have to be so independent - it's a massive jump imo). I'm sure at some point I will probably take DD1 out of school but definately not in her first term at school. Our school doesn't automatically allow time off in term, you have to apply and like others have said, there is no guarantee. I'm sure it would never happen but you could book a holiday and then not be allowed the time off! Plus, everyone to their own but you just don't know how they'll settle again once they've been taken out after such a short time at school. IMHO I think it's too important a time to do that to them and they are so young they don't really understand.

I totally feel your dilemma - having been at the end of August this year I'm in no rush to go back during school holidays to be honest. I really felt the magic wasn't there as much And of course there is the extra cost as you say!

I hope you find a solution!

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Patsy would you not of taken your DD out 3-4 weeks after they started reception?

I feel so awful even thinking about it.....

 

[chickenlittleuk]

I know this sounds like a real twisted justification but I even think a trip to Disneyland could be beneficial to a child's learning. School is only one way to learn. I know peple who homeschool their kids and trips away are a big part of that because they learn life skills in travelling, can experience other cultures and sights and they don't even know they're learning. And at a young age is probably the best time to do it as there will be little formal schoolwork to catch up on. I say go for it! And yes, treat yourself to HNY!!

 

[britchic4]

I typed out a reply this morning before the school run and it seems to have disappeared!
I'm not anti-taking children out of school, indeed I'll be doing it myself next year. My Dad is a Head and he isn't against it either, he thinks children can learn a great deal, except in cases where the child has been on a beach for 2 weeks and doesn't even know which country they've been to - it happens!
However in this case I think the issue for Emma is taking Kyra out when she has only just started reception class, and I do think this is a little different. Just like Patsy, my DD has just started and she went to the pre-school there, plus she has an older brother so she is used to going to school to pick him up etc etc. It's still different and it takes them a long time to settle. After 3 weeks DD doesn't know everyone's names and she knew at least 14 of them before she started! There are also lots of things - such as getting changed for PE - that they don't even do for a few more weeks yet, as school try to introduce only a few new things a week. My DD has already had to have a day off with sickness, and this is pretty common when starting and coming into contact with all those new germs. So for me, I wouldn't take her out of school at all this first half term, probably the whole term. That's just me though, it doesn't mean it's wrong for someone else to do it.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

You nit the nail on the head Cathy, which is why i'm wondering if the beginning on November would be better to take her out instead.

ETA- Maybe not as she would start full days then....I just can't win can i

 

[Mum to Belle]

Just reading this through as DH suggested going back to DLRP in 2 years which will be when DD starts school too! I think that I can use this as a reason to bring the holiday forward at least 6 months to avoid the school holidays and avoid taking DD out of school!!

 

[wideeyes]

ETA- Maybe not as she would start full days then....I just can't win can i

How long are you planning on going for, I wouldn't worry that much for a few days to be honest. I would agree with not missing the start of the term though.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

How long are you planning on going for, I wouldn't worry that much for a few days to be honest. I would agree with not missing the start of the term though.

Well she would miss Mon-Friday.

Seeing as I'm getting a free Eurostar ticket or half my return journey free I think i will go during the 2nd week of October, i would rather her miss a morning or afternoon session at Reception then full days which will start after October half term.

She will at least be at school a good 4 weeks before we went, by then i'm sure she would of settled into reception life......Not ideal but the best i can figure out right now. Its either that or don't go at all.

 

[HolidayLover]

Im a student teacher and the school im in now will not give there permission for holidays in September of May and its classed as an unauthorised absence. In any case I wouldnt take out of school the first few weeks anyway Id say maybe middle of October, just before half term if you cant go during half term