Primary School Extends School Day To Help Parents Take Cheaper Holidays During Term Time | HuffPost Life

Chiddingstone Primary School in Kent will have longer half-term breaks.

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A primary school has chosen to extend its school day to enable parents to save money by taking their kids on term-time holidays.

Chiddingstone Primary School in Kent extended its teaching time by 20 minutes per day in January 2016, giving kids an extra two weeks holiday per academic year.

"In consulting with parents and in response to parental feedback, the school has restructured the academic year," head teacher Rachel Streatfeild told The Huffington Post UK in a statement.

"We have added an additional week onto the October and May half term, enabling some parents to take advantage of cheaper holidays."

Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images

Streatfeild said she has ensured the children will receive the same amount of teaching time over the academic year.

"In addition to this 20 minutes extra per day, we have also taken out inset days and staff training will take places in a series of twilight sessions during the academic year," she said.

"A longer day enables us to deliver the curriculum more meaningfully over a longer school day and it will also ensure that no term is longer than six or seven weeks.

"The school enjoys a very positive relationship with out parents and we will continue to work in partnership with them to review the effectiveness of the changes to ensure our educational standards remain outstanding."

The argument surrounding parents taking their children on holidays during term-time came to a peak on 13 May 2016 when an Isle of Wight dad won an appeal against his term-time fine.

Jon Platt had been fined £120 for taking his seven-year-old daughter on an unauthorised holiday to Disney World in Florida in April 2015.

The dad fought the decision, claiming he should avoid punishment because his daughter has an "exemplary" attendance record.

The High Court ruling suggests that other parents may be able to argue against term-time holiday penalties in the future.

SEE ALSO:
Term-Time Holidays: Jon Platt Wins Appeal Against Fine In Landmark High Court Ruling
Families In Wales Can Take Term Time Holidays Without Being Fined, At Headteachers' Discretion
Brighton Council Proposes New School Term Dates, But Will It Actually Lead To Cheaper Family Holidays?

10 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Family Holidays

Get Off The Beaten Track(01 of10)

“We’re seeing a trend in families seeking out more authentic travel experiences that will inspire rather than distract their children,” says Tom. “There are plenty of unexpected destinations that are kid-friendly without being completely kid-focused that offer incredible experiences that will excite kids and grown-ups of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin himself and visit the Galapagos Islands—perfect for any budding zoologist. Heading to Australia? Try going walkabout with Aboriginal tribes in Australia. Or if you fancy a safari then why not meet the young Massai and learn of their ‘rites of passage’— even in our well-travelled world, there are still opportunities to find truly unique experiences, as long as you know where to look.” (credit:Alamy)

Find A Helping Hand(02 of10)

“Sometimes just getting your family out of the door can feel like an impossible task, let alone planning an entire holiday. This is where travel specialists come in,” says Tom. “For example we make sure that every single visa, airport transfer, flight and hotel is booked and ready to go so that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.” (credit:Alamy)

Be Prepared – And Do Your Research(03 of10)

“The new generation of family traveller is not boxed in by perceived limitations, but even the most intrepid traveller needs to do their research”, warns Tom. “Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and you don’t want to arrive in your destination to find yourself stuck in the monsoon season or in the middle of an unwanted national holiday.” (credit:Alamy)

Get Physical(04 of10)

“Nothing brings a family closer than a thrilling physical challenge and in our internet age we’re seeing an increasing number of parents eager to get to get their children to ditch the computer games and explore the great outdoors. From jungle trekking in Borneo to hiking the cracks and boulders of Yosemite National Park, there are plenty of exhilarating trips to choose from these days.” (credit:Alamy)

Learn Something New(05 of10)

“For a trip that your children will truly cherish forever, why not try giving them a new perspective or introduce them to a new sport?” suggests Tom. “Experiences that can ignite new passions and hobbies.” (credit:Alamy)

Go Wild(06 of10)

“A safari is a classic option for that big family adventure but if you truly want to capture their imagination then give them a safari holiday with a twist. Swap your traditional 4x4 for a quad bike and skid across the plains of South Africa or grab a canoe and see the Big Five in action from the water in the magnificent Selinda Spillway in Botswana—there’s nothing better than ending the day hotly debating your favourite wildlife encounters of the day.” (credit:Alamy)

Find A Good Crèche(07 of10)

“There’s no need to wait until children are walking and talking to take that trip of a lifetime—there are plenty of resorts and hotels that offer spectacular kids club facilities to keep the younger travellers entertained and give you a well-deserved rest.” (credit:Alamy)

On The Road(08 of10)

“One of my favourite choices of holiday for 2013 is the quintessential road trip. For kids that are happy in a car, America’s West Coast offers the ideal combination of adventure and incredible scenery. From behind the bars of San Francisco’s Alcatraz to the majesty of Big Sur, the constant change in scenery is sure to keep the whole family entertained. You can even make the obligatory day trip to Disneyland and be back sipping cocktails in Santa Monica by sundown.” (credit:Alamy)

Something For The Weekend(09 of10)

“You don’t have to travel half way across the world to create a family holiday that will stick in the memory bank—a quick trip or city break can offer just as many rare and memorable experiences for even the most discerning (and tiny) travellers”, suggests Tom. “ For something more exotic, a quick flight to Marrakech gives kids a chance to revel in the chaos of the souk, ride camels, and try their first tagines. “ (credit:Alamy)

Time To Yourself(10 of10)

“As parents look to enrich and inspire their children’s lives with travel, they too often forget to include time to themselves in their busy schedule. A holiday should be just that and it’s important to give yourself some downtime while the kids are entertaining themselves. Indulge in a spa treatment or try an evening of wining and dining in a gourmet restaurant.” (credit:Alamy)

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