May half term dates 2020 – here’s when schools are out this year
THE May half term is slowly creeping up, with kids across the country gearing up for a week off school.
With most schoolchildren at home due to the coronavirus lockdown, they will be able to take a week away from home schooling.
When is the May half term?
School holiday and term time dates can vary depending on which part of the country you live in.
For most schools the half term is set to run from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29.
You should check your the dates on the or check on your local school's site.
When are the school holidays in 2020?
The dates below are a rough guide, but check your for the exact term times.
- May half term: Monday, May 25 - Friday, May 29, 2020
- Summer holiday: Wednesday, July 22
There is currently talk that summer holidays may be cancelled for some pupils.
Former Ofsted chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw has cautioned that the holidays may have to be cancelled in order for those writing exams next year to make up for lost time.
Parents should regularly check on their kid's school website to be kept up to date with all the latest dates and any changes.
Why are holidays so much more expensive during the school holidays?
Hotels, airlines and tour operators know that more people will want to jet off during school holidays, so many hike up their prices.
Recent research has revealed that some holidays are nine times more expensive when schools are off when compared to term time.
Now there are growing calls for the government to intervene and force tour operators to lower their prices during the holidays so fewer children are taken out of school during term time.
With the outbreak of coronavirus and travel restrictions imposed on several of the UK's most popular destinations, this half term is expected to be much different.
Also, the lockdown due to the virus means traveling within the country is limited.
LATEST ON SCHOOL DATES
Is it illegal to take your children on holiday during term time?
Parents are only allowed to let their children miss school if they are sick or have been given permission.
According to the government website you can get permission for your child to take time off school by making an application to the head teacher in advance or if there are exceptional circumstances.
It's up to the head teacher to decide if leave can be granted and for how long.
It's been revealed that almost 20,000 people were taken to court in 2015 after their children missed school without permission – an increase of more than a fifth.
Those who take their kids out of school will be slapped with a £60 fine which rises to £120 if not paid after 21 days.
The BBC revealed that in 2017-2018 to 223,000.
They said that in the academic year family holidays accounted for 85 per cent of fines issued, but fines were also issued for pupils arriving late to school.
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