Parents should take kids out of school for holidays as it’s good for them, argues psychologist
THERE'S no doubt that taking off on a family holiday during term time can be a LOT cheaper than heading abroad during the summer break,
And savvy parents looking to save a fortune might have found an ally in an American psychologist, who argues that taking kids abroad outside of the school holidays offers a better experience.
Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly told : “As a clinical psychologist, parent, former teacher and former school counsellor, I absolutely believe that there can be substantial benefits to pulling children out of school for travel.
"Since travel is more affordable - and thus more accessible - to families while school is in session, parents are able to take children to places that couldn’t afford otherwise.
"The quality of travel during less impacted times can also make the experience far more relaxing and powerful for both the parents and children, and, when families are relaxed, the overall travel experience can be far more positive.”
While there might be substantial benefits to taking your child travelling, it's worth noting that these comments were made before the Covid pandemic, when children' education was heavily disrupted.
As a result of school closures during lockdowns, some kids have lost basic social skills and many are struggling to catch up on lost learning.
Parents should be cautious if deciding to take a long trip abroad during school time, with many schools issuing fines or warnings to families who break the rules.
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Some schools are also more likely to allow parents time off during the school term if their kids are doing well academically or have 100 per cent attendance.
According to the government website: "You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time. It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted."
Families who don't ask permission or are not given it face fines if they take their kids anyway.
SCHOOL'S OUT
Fines can be up to £120, although this drops to £60 if paid within 21 days.
Yet some parents say holidays are so much cheaper outside of the school holidays, so often opt to pay the fine instead.
Here is everything you need to know about taking your kids on holiday during school time.
One mum took her six-year-old out of primary school for two years to go on holiday and said he learnt more from their epic journey than he ever could in a classroom.
Meanwhile others mums have complained as one slammed a primary school for refusing to let her take her daughter on a "once in a lifetime" holiday during term time.
Plus another was told she couldn't take her son out of school for their last ever holiday together because it was not "exceptional circumstances".
