Should parents be allowed to take kids out of school for a holiday?

20 January 2014

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Last week, a couple were fined for taking their children on a term-time family holiday without the school’s permission. Headteachers can grant leave in exceptional circumstances, but it’s unlikely for a holiday and holiday prices soar in school holidays. Should term-time holidays be allowed? Should parents be allowed to take their kids on holidays during term-time? Which of these is CLOSEST to your view?

Last week, a couple were fined for taking their children on a term-time family holiday without the school’s permission. Headteachers can grant leave in exceptional circumstances, but it’s unlikely for a holiday and holiday prices soar in school holidays. Should term-time holidays be allowed?

Should parents be allowed to take their kids on holidays during term-time? Which of these is CLOSEST to your view?

Results

I’m the parent of a school-aged child (15166 votes)

No. Children need schooling, a holiday is not a good enough reason to stop.		1822 votes (12%)
Yes, the parents should have total freedom on this.		1415 votes (9%)
Yes, BUT only for a strict maximum number of days (eg, 1 or 2 weeks a year), booked in advance, not in a crucial time.		10586 votes (70%)
Yes, BUT only for younger children (infant and primary), not senior school.		1270 votes (8%)
Yes, BUT only for parents who have lower earnings.		73 votes (0%)

I’m not the parent of a school-aged child (11618 votes)

No. Children need schooling, a holiday is not a good enough reason to stop.		3044 votes (26%)
Yes, the parents should have total freedom on this.		1267 votes (11%)
Yes, BUT only for a strict maximum number of days (eg, 1 or 2 weeks a year), booked in advance, not in a crucial time.		5953 votes (51%)
Yes, BUT only for younger children (infant and primary), not senior school.		1251 votes (11%)
Yes, BUT only for parents who have lower earnings.		103 votes (1%)

                   26,784 votes received.

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