Why I'm breaking the rules (on purpose)

It’s September. The holidays are officially over. The kids are going back to school. Most people are back to work, and back to the routine, if you were lucky enough to have a break.

I’m feeling especially lucky this year because we still have our holiday to look forward to! In October we’re going abroad as a family for the very first time! Eeeek!

But not in half term. We’re taking the kids out of school…

Today I’m talking about:

• Info: Why term-time travel rules don’t work for all families

• Reflection: What this tells us about our discomfort with flexibility

• Recommendations: Resources that challenge how we define “fair”

Info: When one-size-fits-all fails families

For my international readers, there’s a rule here in England. If you take your children out of school without permission, you can be fined. The assumption is that school time is sacred, and any absence, even for family time, must be discouraged.

It’s a nonsense rule in my humble opinion.

Because (among other reasons), this approach ignores the reality for many families.

Travel outside of term time is expensive. Overwhelming. Unrestful. And for disabled children, often completely inaccessible. The very things meant to be a “break” can feel like anything but.

We’re lucky to be going away. I’m acutely aware of my privilege here as not every family has that choice.

But if you are able to, why should when you go be dictated by the school system. Some families need quieter airports, calmer hotels, flexible travel days. Some just need to rest when it works for them, not the calendar.

This isn’t about whether holidays are educational (though they often are). It’s about whether every week of the year needs to be. Whether attendance always outweighs wellbeing. Whether rules can recognise difference, or just punish it.

Reflection: What this reveals

Rules like this aren’t neutral. They show us what a system values, and what it doesn’t.

• They assume every child thrives the same way.

• They treat presence as progress, even when it comes at a cost.

• They view flexibility as weakness, and conformity as success.

For disabled children, these assumptions are especially damaging.
They may need different schedules, quieter days, more space. They may flourish outside traditional structures, or simply survive better when not pushed to stick to them.

But instead of honouring that difference, the system doubles down.
Fines. Threats. Shame.

We say we want inclusion. But we keep making it conditional.

Recommendations: For anyone who’s ever questioned the rules

Here are a few thoughtful reads and resources if this resonates:

• Square Peg by Fran Morgan and Ellie Costello: An essential look at why some children struggle with school, and why it’s the system, not the child, that needs to change.

• CALL OUT! Today I’m asking for your recommendations! Let me know if you have travel tips, or any resources about accessible holiday-ing. Just hit reply.

A closing thought

We’re not skipping school to make a point. But it does raise one.
That maybe, sometimes, families know what their children need better than those who make the rules do.

What’s your take on this?

If you have children, have you taken them on holiday in term time? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just hit reply.

Speak soon,

Jess

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• Want me to speak or run a workshop in your organisation? Head here to book a chat and make a plan.

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• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.