Term time holidays

One of the great things about home educating is the freedom. We can go where we like, when we like, often for a lot less money that families who choose to send their children to school. We gat discounts all over the place and definitely take advantage of cheaper holidays.

I'm reading so much lately about term time holidays and the changes that the Government have made regarding authorised absences. Head teachers are no longer able to authorise an absence except in exceptional circumstances. This does not include any holiday of any description.

I'm a big believer in travel being the best form of education. I love travel and have travelled extensively. All my children have been abroad as well as on many UK based travel trips. We love to holiday, whether for a week in the sun or a few days to visit some museums somewhere. I truly feel that they learn more when they're away, than they ever could from reading books about places and as a home ed family, we have so many more opportunities.

When George 1 was in school, I took him on at least 3 term time holidays, all of which we're authorised. I'd certainly feel frustrated now by the new rules and I understand the frustration that parents feel. August isn't a great month for going anywhere and the prices are ridiculous. However, I also feel strongly that while the rules may seem unfair, if a child is in school, the rules need to be kept. When you take a job, you can't just go off on holiday whenever you feel like it. If you did you'd risk losing pay or even your job. If you speed long a road and get caught by a camera, you pay the fine, there's no pint moaning about it. If you take your child on holiday, you risk being fined and you need to take that into consideration.

I'd never tell anyone not to go on a term time holiday, but complaining about the consequences is pointless. Sign petitions if you will, I have, but if children are in school, it must be accepted that the Government completely controls your lives during those 6/7 week terms between the hours of 9 and 3 (or is it soon to be 8 and 6?)