article here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4251499.stm)

Parents should be fines. I think parents who jepardise their childrens education to save some money are a dirgrace.

If you cannot afford to go to such-and-such a place in the summer holidays then GO SOMEWHERE CHEAPER.

Do you have kids Robbie on which you can form your opinion? Or is it just what you would do IF you did have kids?

Believe me its easier said than done.

I know there is the old supply and demand argument, but surely the companies that capitalise on families trying to go on holiday during school holidays are responsible.

No I don't have kids.

W elive in a credit based society where people seem to think they are entitled to anything and get anything they want.

You know, I was brought up to save money if I wanted something.

If you cannot aford to go to one place on holiday go somewhere cheaper. Simple as.

No excuses or blather. Tough.

I can't aford to go to Australia do I a:

a. Save up and go in a couple of years

b. Get a loan I cannot aford to pay back.

?

Its another example of bad and irresponsible parenting imo

I make sure my kids take their school books with them and even get the teachers to set them some work while they're away. We're not all a disgrace who dont care about kids education but thanks for the generalisation.

you put your holiday before your children's education. Even though you take books with you they hardly do an equivilent of a school day.

you probably wont answer this (and that's fair as its a personal question) but why do you take them out in term time?

Originally posted by robbie
article here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4251499.stm)

Parents should be fines. I think parents who jepardise their childrens education to save some money are a dirgrace.

If you cannot afford to go to such-and-such a place in the summer holidays then GO SOMEWHERE CHEAPER.

It's even more dirgraceful that some parents have found a way to jepardise the exclusivity of holiday destinashuns reserved for those who can afford to pay peak summer holiday prices. One of the perks of being rich is the ability to see things and go places the poor can't afford - having the affrontery to challenge the situation deserves a fine of £200 :rant:

It's not fair though to expect head teachers to act as beadle and magistrate, they surely have enough to do already trying to discipline children without having to discpline parents too !

Typical lazy Nulabour govt. solution - get somone else to do the dirty work and take the flack. :P

Originally posted by robbie
you put your holiday before your children's education. Even though you take books with you they hardly do an equivilent of a school day.

you probably wont answer this (and that's fair as its a personal question) but why do you take them out in term time?

Main reason being that we prefer the Canaries, summertime there is a killer, way too hot. We usually have 2 weeks during half term Oct/Nov, one week of school and one week of holiday.

Originally posted by robbie
you put your holiday before your children's education

Very very presumptive and wrong I'm afraid to say.

well on the fact that you'd prefer to take them out of school than have a later holiday somewehere else then I'm right :D

but on other things I may not be :D

Anyhow, it isn't that hot down in Norwich in summer :hihi:

Robbie it is very unfair of you to judge people like that when you don't have kids. I don't take my son out of school in term time for holidays - he is now nearly 15. I think I may have once when he was in infant school and his sister was in junior school for part of the first week back after summer but that was only because I got the dates wrong but I would not presume to judge people in this way.

As for going somewhere cheaper - do you know it costs nearly as much to go to some parts of this country for holidays when you have kids as it does to go to Spain. As far as Australia is concerned that is a ridiculous comparison to make I don't know of anyone with kids who could afford to go there even with a loan! Be realistic when you have kids then you will understand at the moment you clearly do not!

I think parents would have something to say if teachers started to take holiday during term time.

I think all of this depends on individual circumtances. My parents took my sister out of school for our summer holiday last year, but only because it was a huge family holiday to Florida which was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. They took her out for the last week of the summer term. So does that make them uncaring parents who don't give a damn for their kids education? I would say that anybody who makes statements like this are generalising. Ok...there are those parents who do it on a regular basis but I don't think one or two times is really going to have a huge affect on the child's education.

Originally posted by Twiglet
I think parents would have something to say if teachers started to take holiday during term time.

If teachers did this the chances are they would be in breach of contract since it will be written into their contract of employment that they cannot.

as children are legally bound to be in school (unless they have prior permission or are sick)

Originally posted by robbie
as children are legally bound to be in school (unless they have prior permission or are sick)

That is hardly the same thing! The teacher isn't breaking the law they could lose their job but that doesn;t make them legally bound just contractually bound - that's not the same thing. Also at least get your facts right the legal obligation is that of the parent not the child.

Be honest you are just p'd off that parents with children are going to be able to get discounts on holidays and you can't!

Why are only the teachers supposed to abide by the law, and not parents? :confused: :confused:

Originally posted by Strix
Why are only the teachers supposed to abide by the law, and not parents? :confused: :confused:

I didn't say that - a breach of their employment contract would not be breaking the law and to suggest that they would is ridiculous. I have now edited that post to help clarify

All I am saying is that Robbie's statement is unfair - read the entire thread and you might not be confused.

I've done that, dearie.

Isn't it great to feel you're above the law?

I wish we all could be. It would be a real Utopia :D


I'm confused as to why somebody I regarded as intelligent would post such conflicting theories

Originally posted by Strix
I've done that, dearie.

Isn't it great to feel you're above the law?

I wish we all could be. It would be a real Utopia :D

You haven't read it very well have you Dearie:mad:

I said I haven't taken mine away during the holidays apart from a few days once at the beginning of the school when I got the dates wrong by 3 days!

So who are you accusing to being above the law! For your information I book my holidays in the summer break and have done every year despite the extra cost.

Originally posted by Strix

I'm confused as to why somebody I regarded as intelligent would post such conflicting theories

Since you have now added this bit onto your last post I will address this.

Firstly thank you for the compliment. However, don't call me dearie it is very patronising especially as I suspect that I am older than you!

To answer your comment Robbie took my answer about the teachers out of context and this brought about the confusion. I will reiterate a breach of contract is not against the law and in no way did I suggest that it was - again re-read the thread and you will see that. All I said was that if teachers did start taking holidays in term time they would be in breach of contract. This argument has been twisted to suit Robbie's very generalised and unfair argument.

If I could just draw your attention to your reply to Twiglet (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?postid=322985#post322985)
that is where the confusion has arisen, and has little to do with Robbie.

However, don't call me dearie it is very patronising especially as I suspect that I am older than you!

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones:

Your use of this: :loopy: was either very careless, or designed to be offensive.

Originally posted by Strix
If I could just draw your attention to your reply to Twiglet (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?postid=322985#post322985)
that is where the confusion has arisen, and has little to do with Robbie.

Again re-read this post. I said they would be in breach of contract (as in contract of employment). I did not say they would be breaking the law there is a very distinct difference! Your reply to me was about teachers abiding by the law and not parents it was Robbie that introduced the law not twiglet or me.

[i]
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones:

Your use of this: :loopy: was either very careless, or designed to be offensive. [/B]

Oh for goodness sake! I used this smilie to emphasise the word ridiculous if this has caused any offense I apologise it was not intended! I rarely use any smilies other then the 'big grin', wink and the 'blush' we all interpret them in different ways in this instance I was using it as an emphasis as many others do - do you pick them up on it as quickly? I would bet you don't! I have removed it now. Satisfied?

Anyhow I'm bored with this topic now it's not as though I am an offender since I don't take my kids (well teenagers) away in term time. I was merely telling Robbie his statement was unfair and I still stand by this.

The bit I can't figure out is: since when was a contract not a legally binding document, and if there's an answer to that, why can you be sued for breach of one?

And Wendy, the original comment wasn't aimed at you so I have no idea why you've gone for my throat over it :mad:

You seem a little tense tonight, or perhaps just emotive about this subject?

Originally posted by Strix
The bit I can't figure out is: since when was a contract not a legally binding document, and if there's an answer to that, why can you be sued for breach of one?

It;s a different type of law from the one that refers to the legal obligation to take your children to school. Breach of contract in this instance is pure and simply contractual law and the only people who can sue you are the owners of the contract in this case the employers who also happen to be local government but that is irrelevant really. The main difference is that it is not the law of the land so to speak. For example you can be put in prison for keeping your children out of school (to use the context we were discussing) but not for breaching a contract of employment. Does that help? I did employment studies as part of my degree and it covered employment law.


And Wendy, the original comment wasn't aimed at you so I have no idea why you've gone for my throat over it :mad:
[/B]

Sorry misinterpreted your reply because it came immediately after my answer about the teachers. :blush:


You seem a little tense tonight, or perhaps just emotive about this subject? [/B]

May be a bit of both! I hate it when people who have no idea about a subject, and since Robbie does not have kids there is no way he can understand, makes such generalised sweeping statements as a means of attacking others. Plus I'm trying to word this report explaining ISO 9001 for a meeting I have in work tomorrow and I keep drawing a blank on the plain english.
:rolleyes: :blush: I don't suppose it helps that I keep getting diverted on here!:blush: My argument with you was only about the patronising tone on the one post which you retaliated to and has now been resolved. Lets forget it shall we as we are going off topic and I'd better get back to that report

Originally posted by wendy
Lets forget it shall we Good idea :thumbsup: I knew we weren't really singing from different song sheets ;)

Originally posted by robbie
Parents should be fines. I think parents who jepardise their childrens education to save some money are a dirgrace.

Am I to take it from your appalling spelling, Robbie, that your parents kept taking you to Australia during term time when you were young?

You have no idea what you are talking about, and should keep your uninformed opinions to yourself.

As the secretary of the NASUWT recently pointed out, holidays during term time can be more educational than staying in school (article here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4249623.stm)).

I am currently trying to organise an exchange trip to Sheffield's twin town, Bochum in Germany. This trip has taken place every year for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, this year we have to take kids during term time because Sheffield LEA, in their infinite wisdom, have moved the Easter holidays so they no longer, err, coincide with Easter :loopy: As the German kids we're visiting still have their Easter holidays centred on Easter, we have to travel during our term time in order to visit them during their holiday time. Yet the LEA cannot give block authorisation for children to take time off school, even for educational purposes, so each of the 20-odd childred travelling has to appeal to their own teacher for time off.

Originally posted by DanSumption

You have no idea what you are talking about, and should keep your uninformed opinions to yourself.


Here, here! Nice to have backing from the teachers!

[
Yet the LEA cannot give block authorisation for children to take time off school, even for educational purposes, so each of the 20-odd childred travelling has to appeal to their own teacher for time off.

Really that is ridiculous. The odd thing is I can't remember having to put a request in writing when my daughter went on her exchange trip to Virginia. I think I assumed it was covered that explains why we got those stupid automated calls about her not being in school.

Originally posted by wendy
Here, here! Nice to have backing from the teachers!

Actually, I'm not a teacher (although the NASUWT guy obviously is). The exchange trip I'm organising is not a school one, it's for an out-of-school educational organisation, and it includes kids from all over the city. This means that we have to arrange the trip dates, book travel etc, then take the risk that some of the kids might have to drop out if their school takes against the idea of them missing lessons.

Originally posted by DanSumption
Actually, I'm not a teacher

:blush: That'll "teach" me not to jump to conclusions won't it!:D

As a parent myself,I think it should be ok to take children on holiday during term time.

However to do this the the children in question must meet certain criteria,such as attendance record,behaviour and level of progress.

This may help by way of parents doing a little more to encourage their childrens learning ect....

Sadly this cant happen,just imagine 10 million children all doing well at scholl and all wanting to go on holiday out of term time.

However to do this the the children in question must meet certain criteria,such as attendance record,behaviour and level of progress.


I totally agree with this. I have a 3 year old and two children currently attending primary school, if I want to take them on holiday during term time then I must get permission from the headteacher.

If Robbie had children then he may have a more subjective view on this issue, however I think the matter that needs to be addressed is why the holiday companies are allowed to take the pi$$ with their charges.

Originally posted by sanman

If Robbie had children then he may have a more subjective view on this issue, however I think the matter that needs to be addressed is why the holiday companies are allowed to take the pi$$ with their charges.

I agree especially regarding the holiday companies but to be honest I haven't been on a package tour for 3 years I book mine independently now it works out cheaper and you generally get better accommodation (have slipped up on that once). I think if more people did this the tour operators would have no choice but to start looking at their prices and lets be honest it isn't just holidays abroad the prices in this country are ridiculous for decent accommodation. I also agree it isn't really the answer taking your kids on holiday in term but fines are not the answer.

Originally posted by robbie
I think parents who jepardise their childrens education to save some money are a dirgrace.

If you cannot afford to go to such-and-such a place in the summer holidays then GO SOMEWHERE CHEAPER.

Its not all about saving money or going somewhere else cheaper, they are many situations where either one or both parents work and simply cannot get the time off work during School holiday periods and have no other alternative but to take their kids on holiday in term time. (Try working at a hospital for example)

Personally I dont object to kids having holidays in term time provided that they have a good record of attendance throughout the rest of the year and are coping well with their studies.

As a footnote I dont have kids yet, but often work through school hols so that others with kids can enjoy time off with their kids, personally I prefer to holiday when kids are at school its lot less busier.

Originally posted by DanSumption
Am I to take it from your appalling spelling, Robbie, that your parents kept taking you to Australia during term time when you were young?

You have no idea what you are talking about, and should keep your uninformed opinions to yourself.

As the secretary of the NASUWT recently pointed out, holidays during term time can be more educational than staying in school (article here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4249623.stm)).

I am currently trying to organise an exchange trip to Sheffield's twin town, Bochum in Germany. This trip has taken place every year for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, this year we have to take kids during term time because Sheffield LEA, in their infinite wisdom, have moved the Easter holidays so they no longer, err, coincide with Easter :loopy: As the German kids we're visiting still have their Easter holidays centred on Easter, we have to travel during our term time in order to visit them during their holiday time. Yet the LEA cannot give block authorisation for children to take time off school, even for educational purposes, so each of the 20-odd childred travelling has to appeal to their own teacher for time off.

I'm dyslexic thanks. I see you were brought up well. I see your parents missed the bit about manners:loopy:

I'd hardly call a cultural exchange on a par with a jolly to Spain or the like.

Could you please enlighten me of the educational value of a cheap package holiday for kids?

I suspect that you should undertake a night course in manners and maybe address that arrogance a tad.

Originally posted by wendy
That is hardly the same thing! The teacher isn't breaking the law they could lose their job but that doesn;t make them legally bound just contractually bound - that's not the same thing. Also at least get your facts right the legal obligation is that of the parent not the child.

Be honest you are just p'd off that parents with children are going to be able to get discounts on holidays and you can't!

erm no, the children are legally bound to attend school. However, because they are minors the legal responsibility moves to their parents.

And I don't do holidays so it wouldn't effect me :D

I could agree that taking children out of school perhaps once for a very big/special holiday may not be detrimental to their education. What I disagree with is, for example, my sister has a friend who disappears for about a week at a time twice a year then comes back with a sick note, but tells her friends that she's just been on a skiing holiday. She also takes a LOT of time off sick, and it seems that its generally just not 'convenient' for her to go to school on her parents part. This attitude is frankly disgraceful, the girls life has to revolve around whatever her parents want to do, whenever they want to do it.

This Easter really is a sham. My parents booked a holiday last year not realising the holiday has been moved to a week later than usual but as my sister is in her GCSE year I am travelling down to teenager-sit for a week.

Do the parents who consider it's ok to take their children out of school because it suits their work commitments, other children in the family or because they want to be able to take advantage of the cheaper rates outside peak holiday times think that teachers ought to be able to do that as well?

Then the teachers could also take their children on a cut price educational break to the Canary Isles in term time.

If it's so difficult to arrange holidays in the school breaks, why not just stay at home ... it's not a major crisis not to go away for a year or so surely? IMO, it's more important not to miss any lessons than to have a week away somewhere. As someone who missed schooling on occasions because of childhood illnesses, I remember how hard it was to catch up afterwards. If I'd had to think it was all due to my parent's selfishness it would have made it even worse.

My work and more significantly my employer has dictated that Spring Bank has always been the occassion when we take our fortnights family holiday, whether this country or abroad. Never been much of an issue up to last couple of years as coincides (intentionally) with 2 wk school break.

However since my eldest moved up to Comp he now has 2 and half weeks off at Easter(ish) and only 1 at Spring Bank. Easter really isn't holiday weather in UK and without going long haul or Canaries it still too early for Europe even if I could somehow move my leave - which I can't. Point being if LEA / Govt / Heads don't want kids being taken out in term time shouldn't they give more thought to dates and length of the schoool hols?

As it is we'll be off to Greece for 2 weeks at Spring Bank, eldest will miss 1 wks school but will continue to pick up the language culture and history. Not an excuse but dont feel that I owe one.

See? Now if progression through the education system was based on merit instead of age, this would all be less of an issue.

Perhaps schools should be open all year round, and that would eliminate the peaks in demand for annual leave, package holidays, teenage crime, traffic, etc. Holidays could then be taken as 'modules', whereby a workbook pack is provided to deal with language, culture, history etc. (and don't think going to Wales is a get out ;) )

Originally posted by rubydazzler
it's not a major crisis not to go away for a year or so surely?

We are talking 11 years here and are you saying that a family should never go away for that length of time when they work the rest of the year because if you are I don't think you are being very fair or realistic. Working life can be stressful enough without not getting a break and believe me if you stay at home you don't get a break because there is always something you have to do.

It seems to me that something along the lines that frenchfrie suggested is the best option and I know at one time it was suggested for the schools and that is instead of a three term year go to the semester system and split the holidays between the 2 thereby giving 2 longer breaks (with obvious extra short breaks for Christmas/New Year and Easter). This way some of the holidays come into june when it is not quite as hot abroad and therefore cheaper. This type of system works in other countries why not here?

I'll reply to you wendy, as you replied to me lol ... maybe I'm not being fair or realistic as you say - I've only ever been away on an actual "holiday" about three or four times in my life ... my father would never go away when we were children so I don't suppose I ever really got into that mindset that feels badly done by if I cant leave home for a couple of weeks a year.

Also, being self employed, I now work six days a week, all year round. In the past, I spent most of my money on my children's education ... so we couldn't really afford to take holidays any time let alone in term time. We'd go for days at the coast or inland ... theme parks ... mid week stays at center parcs, butlins ... picnics, play/work in the garden, visit relatives for a few days. I don't think my children felt hard done by ... in fact they had more variety than some do taking a full two weeks in one place.

I suppose it's like anything else, people have their priorities .... but I still think they'd feel differently if they turned up at school and were told, "sorry the teacher's gone away for two weeks with his/her kids, the elder one is at a different school and spouse can only take these two weeks" ... :D

Wendy,

If only i was as eloquent as you. But yes you have hit the nail on the head here.

Originally posted by rubydazzler

I suppose it's like anything else, people have their priorities .... but I still think they'd feel differently if they turned up at school and were told, "sorry the teacher's gone away for two weeks with his/her kids, the elder one is at a different school and spouse can only take these two weeks" ... :D [/B]


But surely if the holidays were spaced as per the semester system that Wendy mentioned kids, parents, and teachers would all have more options to holiday outside term times?

but we're not talking about a might-be or a what-if, frenchfrie. We're discussing an as-is!! :D


Although I agree that the long summer holiday is an anachronism and the school year could do with a re-jig. I don't have school age children now though so am rather out of touch with current thinking.

Originally posted by rubydazzler
I'll reply to you wendy, as you replied to me lol ... maybe I'm not being fair or realistic as you say - I've only ever been away on an actual "holiday" about three or four times in my life ... my father would never go away when we were children so I don't suppose I ever really got into that mindset that feels badly done by if I cant leave home for a couple of weeks a year.

That is definately where we differ. I can't actually remember not going away as a child apart from one year when my late (ex steelworker) father was on strike.



Also, being self employed, I now work six days a week, all year round. In the past, I spent most of my money on my children's education ... so we couldn't really afford to take holidays any time let alone in term time. We'd go for days at the coast or inland ... theme parks ... mid week stays at center parcs, butlins ... picnics, play/work in the garden, visit relatives for a few days. I don't think my children felt hard done by ... in fact they had more variety than some do taking a full two weeks in one place.
[/B]

You employment status has alot to do with this too because being self employed holidays cost you more work wise. However, remember though most people are not self employed and believe they have earned a break especially if both of you work or are a single parent (they especially deserve the break IMHO).

You say that you spent most of your money on your children's education - this to me implies you sent them to private school that is excellent but most people can't do that and have to make up for some of the lost opportunities in other ways to many that is a foreign holiday. Don't get me wrong I don't believe it should be the norm to allow them to go in term time (I work in a college so know what sort of distruption this causes) and I have never taken my children away in term time but I still don't think that fines are the correct way of dealing with it. It solves nothing to punish the parents, it merely creates resentment and apart from this it isn't fair to expect the headteachers to administer this they have enough to do without having to fend off complaints about this.

Originally posted by rubydazzler
but we're not talking about a might-be or a what-if, frenchfrie. We're discussing an as-is!! :D

Agreed but as I said earlier the as-is is what's escalating this for me to be an issue. How do I win then ? Take 2 wks at Spring Bank to keep in with the junior head (as this fits in with the youngest's school hols) and my employer? OR risk my job by going off for 2 wks at Easter (to where?) to keep in with the comp head and annoy the junior head?

Before you add don't go for 2 weeks - It's not negotiable. After working all year round I need a fortnights break. Selfish? Call me what you want but if I work hard the rest of the year why shoudn't I be able to go on hol with my family fot 2 weeks?
[i]
Although I agree that the long summer holiday is an anachronism and the school year could do with a re-jig. I don't have school age children now though so am rather out of touch with current thinking. [/B]


Whilst i accept you can still hold a legitamate view and not have school age kids is this not perhaps factor in your stance - as indeed I fully accept mine is?

After all no kids at school - no issue!

Apologies due,

still new to this forum thingy. My response re "no kids at school - no issue" was my own take on things. I didn't mean to say any one without kids couldn't have a view - simply that for me if I hadn't got kids at school, particularly where their holidays didn't match, then I wouldn't have an issue.

Hope this clarifies.

Originally posted by frenchfrie

Before you add don't go for 2 weeks - It's not negotiable. After working all year round I need a fortnights break. Selfish? Call me what you want but if I work hard the rest of the year why shoudn't I be able to go on hol with my family fot 2 weeks?



I don't think you are selfish frenchfrie I think this is a perfectly realistic and common expectation. I am fortunate in that I can choose (and just about afford) my holidays to be in the main summer break not everyone is yourself included in that. It seems to me that the people that have the most problem with this are the ones that don't have a problem with it.:confused: I wonder why that is? Don't you?:rolleyes:

Originally posted by robbie
I'm dyslexic thanks. I see you were brought up well. I see your parents missed the bit about manners:loopy:
Apologies Robbie, I hadn't intended to offend, but if you're posting a comment about jeopardising childrens' education then it will have a lot more impact if it's properly written, and spell-checkers aren't hard to come by.

I'd hardly call a cultural exchange on a par with a jolly to Spain or the like.
I agree; I was responding in kind to what I took to be the high-moral tone of your original post, especially given that you don't have kids. I wanted to point out that parents don't always take their kids out of school because they don't fancy paying inflated prices, and I believe most parents care more for their kids' education than you give them credit for.

Could you please enlighten me of the educational value of a cheap package holiday for kids?
"Cheap package holiday" is a value-loaded term, but any holiday, wherever it's to and whatever it costs, can have far more educational value than school (even if not education as per the national curriculum) if the parents are willing to put in the work. My parents took me for a fortnight in Switzerland in what would otherwise have been the first two weeks of my 4th year of junior school. They made me sit down every day and write a diary of my trip. The sights and sounds of that trip, the discipline of keeping a diary, everything about it, has stayed with me far more than whatever it is I would have been doing those 2 weeks at my schooldesk would have done.

A friend of mine has recently taken his kids out of school for two years. Again, I don't imagine they'll be quite up to scratch with the national curriculum, but I am certain that the experiences they accumulate will make them far more rounded people, able to cope with adult life, than two years sat in front of the blackboard (OK, the fact that within two days of setting off they were swimming for their lives and then dodging crocodiles in the tsunami in Sri Lanka was probably a little too much experience for comfort but, hey, what didn't kill them has made them stronger).

I suspect that you should undertake a night course in manners and maybe address that arrogance a tad.
Touché :thumbsup:

Don't wonder any more, Wendy .... it's because this is a Forum and everyone has views. I like engaging in debate but I also have friends who work in education and this sort of thing is what they have a little moan about from time to time. It's interesting to draw out the opposing views :)

As I said before, I suppose I just don't understand the mindset that insists that the only break from work consists of leaving home and going somewhere else. When it also involves travelling for hours with fractious childen and then having to cope with them in a climate to which they are unused, it's the ultimate nightmare scenario for me.

I used to love just lounging around at home, a little gardening, maybe a bit of DIY ....not having to go to work ... total bliss :)

[i]It seems to me that the people that have the most problem with this are the ones that don't have a problem with it.:confused: I wonder why that is? Don't you?:rolleyes: [/B]

Hear, Hear.

Wendy. I admit that this is starting to puzzle me too.

Originally posted by rubydazzler
As I said before, I suppose I just don't understand the mindset that insists that the only break from work consists of leaving home and going somewhere else. When it also involves travelling for hours with fractious childen and then having to cope with them in a climate to which they are unused, it's the ultimate nightmare scenario for me.

You're not wrong there, although sometimes it helps to get to a different location, just to change your outlook.

What amazes me is that some people feel the need to get to a different country every year. The last few years we've spent the summer holidays travelling up & down Britain, mainly camping and living on the cheap. There's so much to see in this country alone, and so much beauty, it inspires me every time.

OK guys you win ... stifle debate ... who cares!!! :D

Originally posted by DanSumption
Apologies Robbie, I hadn't intended to offend, but if you're posting a comment about jeopardising childrens' education then it will have a lot more impact if it's properly written, and spell-checkers aren't hard to come by.


I agree; I was responding in kind to what I took to be the high-moral tone of your original post, especially given that you don't have kids. I wanted to point out that parents don't always take their kids out of school because they don't fancy paying inflated prices, and I believe most parents care more for their kids' education than you give them credit for.


"Cheap package holiday" is a value-loaded term, but any holiday, wherever it's to and whatever it costs, can have far more educational value than school (even if not education as per the national curriculum) if the parents are willing to put in the work. My parents took me for a fortnight in Switzerland in what would otherwise have been the first two weeks of my 4th year of junior school. They made me sit down every day and write a diary of my trip. The sights and sounds of that trip, the discipline of keeping a diary, everything about it, has stayed with me far more than whatever it is I would have been doing those 2 weeks at my schooldesk would have done.

A friend of mine has recently taken his kids out of school for two years. Again, I don't imagine they'll be quite up to scratch with the national curriculum, but I am certain that the experiences they accumulate will make them far more rounded people, able to cope with adult life, than two years sat in front of the blackboard (OK, the fact that within two days of setting off they were swimming for their lives and then dodging crocodiles in the tsunami in Sri Lanka was probably a little too much experience for comfort but, hey, what didn't kill them has made them stronger).


Touché :thumbsup:

apologies for my comments as well. Just snapping back:D

See, I may not have kids but it seems to me that the majority of people who think its ok to take there children in term time do have kids and a lot do do it (look at the grammar ;) )

My point would be. "Who do these holidays benefit. Adult or child?"

it seems to be adult to me......

Originally posted by rubydazzler

As I said before, I suppose I just don't understand the mindset that insists that the only break from work consists of leaving home and going somewhere else. When it also involves travelling for hours with fractious childen and then having to cope with them in a climate to which they are unused, it's the ultimate nightmare scenario for me.

I used to love just lounging around at home, a little gardening, maybe a bit of DIY ....not having to go to work ... total bliss :)

That may your experience with your kids but mine are so excited at the prospect of sampling time away from the usual. If I announced our fortnights holiday would be watching me lounging around the house, gardening and DIY then stand by for fractious kids and the ultimate nightmare!!! :o

Originally posted by rubydazzler

I used to love just lounging around at home, a little gardening, maybe a bit of DIY ....not having to go to work ... total bliss :)

:D You're quite welcome to come and help with the DIY at my house if you like it that much.

I don't dislike DIY and am actually better at painting then my husband (I make much less mess and get a better and visably more even coat) but as I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis some of the physical work involved can result in my joints becoming very painful and stiff. So consequently although I do occasionally take time off to do DIY I would not consider this to be a holiday to me it is hard work. However, I couldn't possibly comment on my husband's view, he may share your view as he doesn't seem to have the same need to go away. I suppose as you suggested before it's down to the mindset developed as a child - I was fortunate there (well I think so anyway).

Originally posted by robbie

My point would be. "Who do these holidays benefit. Adult or child?"

it seems to be adult to me......

You're probably right there Robbie but look at it this way: Who goes out to work for the rest of the year? Adults..! We all need a break sometimes.

Another good way round this would be for the kids to have assignments sent to them via email that they have to pick up from an internet cafe, complete and email back the next day. Afterall in this day and age there is no reason why this can't be done. Internet cafes can be found around the world so they don't have an excuse and this way they are still getting an education too.

This form of assessment has already been tested I saw an article in the paper a few weeks ago where they were testing it out at a secondary school as a means of ensuring that they got homework from the kids. The results were quite astonishing apparently they got the assignment back in double quick time and got all of them without a problem which they had not achieved before.

i am leaving shortly to get a plane somewhere as you've both persuaded me that working six days a week .... i owe it to myself to get away somewhere different ... warm my poor old bones in the sunshine .. mmmmm! :)

but i have to say before i go - who is going to set this assignment, email it, get it back and mark it ... just another trifling little addition to the teacher's daily workload ?? listen to yourselves ... you're all on hols having a great time - resting and relaxing ... but you want someone else to do extra work to cover for you ... I don't think you can justify it really ... and that is definitely my last word on the subject.

Especially as we have gone waaaaaay off topic - trying to get me to do your diy as well as everything else i have to cope with - typical!!! MEEE a poor single parent who could never even afford a holiday and tried to make the best of it ... TYPICAL!!! gives them both an old fashioned look and leaves the thread dragging a heavy suitcase TAXI!!!! :D

Originally posted by rubydazzler

Especially as we have gone waaaaaay off topic - trying to get me to do your diy as well as everything else i have to cope with - typical!!! MEEE a poor single parent who could never even afford a holiday and tried to make the best of it ... TYPICAL!!! gives them both an old fashioned look and leaves the thread dragging a heavy suitcase TAXI!!!! :D

:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: Sorry I know this is off topic but I had to reply this made me laugh:hihi: :thumbsup:

Have a nice time rubydazzler;) :D :hihi:

Originally posted by DanSumption


A friend of mine has recently taken his kids out of school for two years. Again, I don't imagine they'll be quite up to scratch with the national curriculum, but I am certain that the experiences they accumulate will make them far more rounded people, able to cope with adult life, than two years sat in front of the blackboard (OK, the fact that within two days of setting off they were swimming for their lives and then dodging crocodiles in the tsunami in Sri Lanka was probably a little too much experience for comfort but, hey, what didn't kill them has made them stronger).


Touché :thumbsup:

I had a friend who was taken out of school for a year to travel round the world, and the experience for her was definitely amazing. However after coming back she was put back a year for her age group, to do the year she had missed. So theres no avoiding those two years sat in front of the blackboard.

Originally posted by coopster1974
Do you have kids Robbie on which you can form your opinion? Or is it just what you would do IF you did have kids?

Believe me its easier said than done.

I think it is perfectly reasonable for someone who doesn't have kids to have an opinion on this issue, and I think Robbie has a very good point.

We don't take our kids on holiday during term time because we are not selfish enough to disrupt their education.