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“School’s out for Summer!” came the call.  This call fills children with much-anticipated excitement yet brings a bundle of mixed emotions for many parents dreading how to fill the long six-week stretch.

School holidays are important for children as they offer a break from the routine and demands of school and also give families a chance to spend quality time together doing things they enjoy. 

However, as we all know, for working parents, the amount of leave employees get does not match school holidays and, for the majority of people who run their own businesses, they cannot just shut down and stop working over the summer and pick up again in September when the children return to the classroom.

Summer can be a particularly stressful time, and many parents and carers may feel that organising childcare, trips and entertainment during the school holidays can be nothing short of a military operation.  For working parents, ensuring there is cover in place can be even more of a logistical nightmare when separated or going through a relationship breakdown.  For those in this situation, how school holiday childcare and the holidays themselves are organised can very much depend on the arrangements in place week to week for children to spend time with each parent and what has been agreed between the parties or ordered by the court.

Planning early is often key to avoiding disappointments and conflict, as making arrangements that fit everyone’s calendars can be a minefield. Some parents may be able to strike a balance in terms of childcare and the division of holidays and come to an agreement between themselves.  However, for those less fortunate, childcare and holiday arrangements may have to be determined by the Family Court, which will look at each case on an individual basis and consider what is in each child’s best interests.

So what do separated parents have to think about when it comes to summer break?

• Plan ahead. If possible, parents should try to agree on their holiday and what time off they have well in advance so that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet and knows what the plans are. This includes childcare fees and clubs and how these are to be funded. This avoids the danger of any misunderstandings arising, disappointment, and conflict. It is important to talk to one another – this is not always easy, but a relationship breakdown can be easier to cope with if the parties can communicate.  The earlier that planning commences, the more time everyone has to consider, make and agree arrangements.
• Travelling abroad. If you are planning to take your children out of the country, permission is needed from all parties who hold parental responsibility before travelling abroad. If consent cannot be gained, it may be necessary to make an application to the Court for an order permitting you to do so.  It is sensible, therefore, not to assume anything, and caution should be exercised when booking flights and accommodation without first ensuring that all the necessary legal formalities are in place. If you have written consent, take a copy of this with you to the airport.
• Keeping in touch. It is important to allow children to keep in touch with their other parents whilst they are away and to encourage them to stick to this. Again, this is something that separated parents should agree. Deciding on how communication is to be made in advance can often help avoid clashes.
• Preparation. If children are sharing the summer between separated parents, it is important that everything is explained to them so they are not worried or anxious and are left with positive and happy memories of the school holidays.
• Be flexible. Be realistic. Contact may be subject to change, and if this is needed, it is important to stay flexible as this will make the holidays easier for the children and in the long run, easier for you.

Holidays are a complex issue that can be overlooked when reaching an agreement in relation to spending time with children. It is therefore important to consider how childcare arrangements will be worked and changed around these periods.   

Please contact one of our expert family team if you require any advice and assistance with your relationship breakdown needs on 01636 703333.