When I was eight, I spent three months in Iran – how my parents managed to get that signed off is still a mystery! Fast forward to today, and taking children out of school during term time has become far more controversial, often resulting in fines and certainly always resulting in disapproval. And while I completely understand the reasons behind it, our recent decision to take Hugo out of school for a week in June got me thinking – is it really that harmful to their education, or can it actually be more enriching than we give it credit for?

Being a freelancer with a busy summer workload, I’ve come to appreciate the flexibility I have. So, we decided to take a trip to the Dordogne in June and honestly, it was the best decision we could’ve made.

The Dordogne is one of the most stunning regions in France. With rolling vineyards, charming villages, and just a short flight from the UK, it feels like we stepped into a world much further away than we actually did. Visiting in June meant avoiding the scorching heat of July and August (it reached 37°C towards the end of our holiday!), and it felt like we had the place to ourselves – not another tourist in sight. The weather was dreamy, and we were able to enjoy everything at our own pace — no crowds, no chaos.

From a business point of view, June is the ideal time for me to step away from work. Summer typically brings a wave of client briefs, so taking time off just before a busy period lets me return feeling more grounded, refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.

I had no idea what was to unfold in front of my eyes in just a week, but watching the children grow and evolve in such a short amount of time was incredible. They embraced the unfamiliar with curiosity and excitement. Hugo, who just months ago was afraid to jump in a swimming pool, was suddenly attempting dives with pure joy. And little Coen? Fearless. He followed his big brother’s lead, launching himself into the water without hesitation.

Travelling gave them something school simply couldn’t during that week – real-world confidence, new experiences, cultural discovery and a sense of independence. I can’t stress how important school actually is, but so is learning beyond the classroom.

That said, I completely understand the concern. Missing school isn’t ideal. I spoke with Hugo’s teacher beforehand, and while it’s not her job to reteach what he missed, she was kind enough to set aside some worksheets. Within two days of being back, he had caught up with the rest of his class.

Had we waited until the summer holidays to travel, we would have faced a very different experience – soaring temperatures, inflated travel costs, and, for me, a significant loss in income from declining work projects. Financially and practically, it simply made sense to go when we did.

When you put all the factors on the table, the decision becomes clear – at least for our family. Hugo has excellent attendance, is thriving academically, and we made priceless memories we couldn’t have afforded or fully enjoyed during peak season. I’m not saying this is something we’ll do every year, but this time, the rewards far outweighed the drawbacks.

Yes, there’s a pang of guilt for taking him out of school. But that week away gave us more than I ever expected – and I’d make the same decision again in a heartbeat.