In a recent poll, 55% of parents admitted to taking their child out of school to go on holiday. bit.ly/JHFDj5

The results are perhaps not surprising given the cost of holidaying during the term breaks but it would be interesting to see what Surrey mummies think about this....

Would you take your child on holiday in term time? Would you tell a little white lie to do so?! And how do you feel about those that do take their children out of school? Is fining parents the answer to the problem? Or should we have the right to do so?

Let us know what you think.

Definitely not! I really disagree with this. I think that school and educating my child comes first and holidays second. It's nice to have a holiday but I don't see why you shouldn't cut your suit according to your cloth and go on a holiday that is appropriate to how much you can afford, even if it is a less flashy holiday during the actual holidays.

It annoys me when parents take their children out of school and lie about it. For one, they are setting a bad example to their children. Secondly, why should they be able to get away with breaking the rules?

I don't quite know where I stand on this! I was always dead against it, until I had children!!

It drives me mad that prices are so unbelievably hiked during the holidays, they have you over a barrel, I find it really frustrating. And I have taken my child out of school on two occasions; the first for a significant family birthday celebration/break - this absence was for a couple of days and was authorised by the school. The second time was for one day only (a long weekend break for another special occasion) and authorisation was declined — we took her out anyway but were honest about why, there were no repercussions. She's only in the infants and I think that a day here or there won't harm at this early stage (although good point BiseeB about what example I am setting - especially when I make them go to school when they don't want to!) But I'm not sure I would take her out for a week or fortnight's holiday - I would be worried about her missing too much and struggling to catch up and also I'm not very good at disobeying authority & hate being told off! I can see why people do it but I don't think we will ever make a habit of it.

What does annoy me is that there seems little consistency in what leave is authorised and what is not. And it varies from school to school. There are many a family at our school who have a week out for skiing or sunshine and I know some of this leave has been authorised when a sob story has been laid on for the Headteacher.

I think fair play, apply for leave if you must, accept the decision of the Head, and be prepared to accept any consequences if you choose to ignore that decision.

I have done it once for 1 day, but knowing that day was only a half day school Christmas party, and with the headteacher preapproval.

However, I do feel bad about what the little one might missed out. Eventhough is just a party, that is a chance to develop social skill.

Prices are ridiculous during school holiday. But as a second thought, I'd still need to pay for childcare during those days.

Eventhough is more expensive, I'd rather follow the standard school holiday going forward.

Interesting discussion so far, thank you ladies! Seems like us Surrey mummies like following the rules re term time holidays?! Does anyone one out there disagree?!

Good point raised on twitter re taking term time holidays, especially re difficulties faced by working parents: "Absolutely not; us working mums struggle to get enough days to keep up with the holidays and endless inset days as it is!!"

Hmm I would always respect the school's policy but feel there is a lot of variation in what some schools will authorise and others won't. I know of people with jobs who haven't been allowed much time off in the long summer break (police for example)and that can make it difficult. I also believe that spending quality time as a family is very important and that it is more difficult thatn ever to achieve that.

I also agree that the difference in price between school holidays and term time is daylight robbery.

My final thought is that sometimes children can learn as much if not more from a holiday or family ocassion.

So as much as I would really avoid ever doing this I can completely understand why people do.