Headteacher reveals why parents SHOULD let kids miss school to go on holiday
A HEADTEACHER has revealed that he takes his children out of school during term time, and says other families should do the same.
The dad of three has taken his children out of school to go on foreign holidays abroad.
The anonymous headteacher told the i Newspaper: “In the current economic crisis, a family holiday is essential for togetherness.
“Splashing about in the sea, building sandcastles – that sort of thing is really important.”
The headteacher explained that going away during the school summer holidays can dramatically increase the cost of a trip.
He added: “I’ve done it with my kids, taken them to Greece outside the school holidays, because they have different term dates for their half terms and it was impossible to find a time that worked for them both.”
Before taking his children on holiday, the dad told their school about his plans and didn’t receive a fine.
He said: “If I can do it, so can families as far as I am concerned.”
For children with good attendance, the educator also explained that missing a few days of school wasn’t much of a problem.
But the situation changed for those families and children who were persistently absent from school.
The headteacher also revealed that he had never fined a family for taking their kids on holiday during the school term.
According to the Gov UK website, each parent can be fined £60 for taking their children out of school during term time.
This fine can rise to £120 if the original fine isn’t paid within 21 days.
In extreme cases, families can be fined up to £2,500 and face prosecution.
Despite the potential fines, this headteacher isn’t the only parent who sees the positives of taking their child out during term time.
Faith Skeen from South Texas, takes her two children Chris, 15, and Zach, 11, out of school to go on holiday, attend music concerts and visit her relatives.
She told the Sun Online Travel: “I don’t believe unwavering attendance is what’s best for children throughout their young lives, and I don’t think the school system should have such extensive reach into our homes.”
Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly has argued that taking kids abroad outside of the school holidays offers a better experience.
Another mum also revealed how she takes her kids out of school for holidays as it’s “better for them than being in class“.