Can You Take Your Child Out of School for a Holiday?

There are various reasons you might consider taking your child out of school, such as a family event, holiday, or extended travel.

But what if you want to take them out for such reasons? While some countries have strict rules against removing children from school for non-essential reasons like holidays, what are the regulations in Spain? Do you need to justify a specific reason, or can you simply choose to travel when it’s more affordable outside of school holidays?

In Spain, education is mandatory during both Primary and Compulsory Secondary Education. Schools monitor attendance closely to track how much school a child is missing.

Is It Permissible?

The straightforward answer is yes, you can take your children out of school in Spain for travel, but there are a few important considerations.

Unlike in the UK, where the government imposes fines starting at £60 for school absences, increasing to £120 if unpaid within 21 days, Spain allows for travel-related absences as long as they are justified and approved by the school, without any fines.

What Steps Should You Take?

Firstly, it’s crucial to inform the school or teacher well in advance to ensure that the absence doesn’t negatively impact your child’s education. For instance, avoid scheduling absences during exams or the introduction of new, important topics.

If you notify the school early enough, they can propose solutions to compensate for the missed time, such as providing homework that can be done while away.

Secondly, the reason for the absence must be justifiable. This could include attending a family event or having limited vacation time due to work constraints that don’t align with school holidays. In such cases, your travel plans might need to coincide with the school calendar.

What Is Permitted and What Isn’t?

Ultimately, it’s about reaching an agreement with the school that works for everyone. However, travel-related absences should not become routine. Occasional absences are generally acceptable, but frequent ones—such as taking a long weekend every month or missing school every Friday—will likely not be allowed.

Extended travel could also be problematic. While missing a few days or even a week might be manageable, taking your child out for several months could lead to them missing critical lessons. The decision on how long your child can be away will depend on factors like their age, the importance of the lessons they might miss, and the school’s or teacher’s opinion on your proposal. It’s essential to prioritize your child’s educational needs while also recognizing the value of family time and travel as educational experiences.

Before primary school, attendance isn’t compulsory, but you still need to justify absences if your child isn’t attending.

Are There Consequences for Frequent Absences?

As mentioned, absences must be justified. If a child frequently misses school without a valid reason, or if there is a suspicion that they are being deprived of their right to education, schools are required to report the case to social services for further investigation.

This issue, known as absenteeism, can result in fines or other penalties. Fines are set locally by municipalities and typically amount to around €1,500 for serious cases, though they can be higher in some areas. These penalties generally apply if a child misses 20 percent or more of their classes.

By working closely with your child’s school and keeping their best interests in mind, you can ensure that any time spent away from the classroom is managed appropriately and beneficially.