Child Arrangements and the School Holidays

When it comes to splitting the school holidays, there is lots of potential arrangements that can be put into place. Whilst no two families are the same, a frequent pattern often emerges throughout Family Law cases.

The major holidays that need consideration include:

1. Half terms
2. Easter
3. Summer
4. Christmas

The most common options for dividing holidays include:

• Splitting holidays - this works by where one parent would have the first half of the holiday, and the other parent has the second half of the holiday. For example, in Easter, mum could have the the first week, and dad has the children in the second week.
• Alternating Holidays – this usually works well at during Christmas, where is often the case that one parent has the children from Christmas Eve through to Christmas day, then the other would have Boxing Day and thereafter. This arrangement would alternate each year.

That’s not to forget that consideration needs to be given to the child(ren)’s birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and bank holidays.

With regards Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the most common solution is for the respective parent who is celebrating to have the children in their care.

In respect of Bank Holidays, many families choose to allow the child to spend an extra day with the parent they are with that particular weekend.



Children’s birthdays are always a tricky and sensitive subject as no parent wants to be left out of their child’s special day. Some parents may feel amicable enough to be able to share the day together, whereas others may either have alternating years for example mum has the even years, and dad has the odd years. A further alternative may be for telephone/video contact to take place between the child and the parent who doesn’t have care that particular day.

If you do not already have an Order or agreement in place which sets out Holiday arrangements, Marshall Hall Levy Solicitors have a team of Family Specialists available to help you. Please feel free to contact our family team on 0191 455 3181 for further help and guidance.