First, always ask the headteacher first. If you have a compelling reason—like a grandparent’s 100th birthday—they might say yes. If they say no, accept it. Don’t just go anyway.
Second, plan ahead. Use those school holiday calendars like a sacred text. Book your holidays during half-term, Easter, or summer. Yes, it’s more expensive. But your wallet and your peace of mind will thank you.
And finally, remember this: your child only gets one school journey. Missing a few days here and there can feel small, but it stacks up. Every day matters. Even the boring ones where they learn times tables.
A little perspective
My neighbour’s son, Jake, missed a week for a family wedding in Portugal. He came back bright-eyed and happy. But he had no idea the class had started fractions. He spent the next two weekends crying over maths homework. His mum said, “I paid for the holiday, and then I paid for a tutor. I basically paid twice.”
So here’s the warm, honest truth: the system isn’t perfect, and we all crave a little escape. But the fine is a signal. It’s a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge that says: school is the priority, and time off is a privilege, not a right.
Next time you see those cheap flights, take a deep breath. Maybe plan a long weekend during the next school break instead. Your child’s teacher—and your bank account—will be happier. And you? You’ll have a stress-free holiday, with no guilt and no nasty letter waiting when you get home.
