October Half Term: Arrangements for Separated Parents

By Zara Ahmed

With October half term approaching, separated parents may need to make arrangements for where their children will spend the school holiday.

For some families, holiday arrangements are already agreed or set out in a Child Arrangements Order. For others, half term can be a source of uncertainty or disagreement, particularly where parents have different plans for the children.

Planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary conflict. Consider discussing:

1. Where will the children spend their time?

Agree when and where the children will spend time with each parent, including collections, drop-offs and handovers.

• Does the arrangement give the children meaningful time with both parents?
• Are the handover arrangements practical and stress-free for the children?
• Have you considered what the children themselves would like?

2. Are there any travel plans?

Discuss whether the children will be travelling, staying away overnight or going on holiday, and share relevant travel details where appropriate.

• Does the other parent know where the children will be staying?
• Have you agreed how travel arrangements and costs will be managed?
• If travelling further afield, have you considered passports, travel documents and emergency contact details?

3. What about work, childcare and activities?

Consider work commitments, childcare, clubs, activities and any plans the children already have during the break.

• Are you planning around the children, or simply around your own availability?
• Who will care for the children if work commitments change?
• Will the children be able to continue activities, see friends or attend any plans they have been looking forward to?

4. How will the children stay in touch?

If the children are spending time away from one parent, consider whether and how they will maintain contact during the holiday.

• Would a phone call or video call help the children feel connected to the other parent?
• Is contact genuinely helpful for the children, or could it interrupt their time away?
• Can both parents support the children in enjoying their time with the other parent without making them feel caught in the middle?

5. Have you checked your existing arrangements?

If you already have a Child Arrangements Order or agreement, make sure you understand what applies during the school holidays and whether any changes need to be agreed.

• Does your existing order or agreement specifically cover school holidays?
• Are you assuming the arrangements are flexible when they may not be?
• If something needs to change, have you given the other parent enough notice to discuss it?

Most importantly, keep the children’s needs at the centre of the discussion. Where possible, communicate directly and calmly with the other parent and try to agree arrangements well in advance.

If an agreement cannot be reached, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution may help parents find a practical solution without the need for court proceedings. Where there are safeguarding concerns or an existing court order, specialist legal advice should be obtained.

Here at Pictons Solicitors, our Family Law Team can advise separated parents on child arrangements, holiday contact and resolving disagreements constructively.

Contact our Family Law Team on 01582 870 880 if you require advice about arrangements for the October half term.