The school holidays are underway in 2026 … and so begins the annual juggling act
February 2026
In the eastern region (Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex), we’ve just had the first of the school half-term holidays and as Easter is early in 2026, there’s only another 5 weeks until the end of the first whole term.
So, how do employer’s, managers, and any staff with parenting responsibilities, manage reduced capacity, roster challenges and competing leave requests?
For many working parents, school holidays don’t mean rest — they mean logistics, childcare costs, and careful diary planning.
So how do you manage it well — without frustration on either side?
Here are a few practical approaches we’ve seen work brilliantly. It also helps that our MD has school-age children so the annual early diary planning is definitely high on her priority list!
- Plan and communicate clearly
We highlight and share key holiday dates at the very start of the year. We also encourage early leave requests and are transparent about how leave approval is prioritised. - Focus on outcomes, not hours
Where possible, we offer flexibility — adjusted hours, compressed weeks, hybrid working, or temporary role-sharing. Productivity doesn’t always need to look like 9–5. - Fairness, not favouritism
Balance the needs of parents with the needs of colleagues without children. Having children doesn’t entitle you to specific holiday dates. Set clear policies which will prevent resentment and protect team morale. - Encourage team-based solutions and cross-training
When teams collaborate on coverage plans, and more than one person is able to cover the same role, you often see stronger cooperation and less pressure on managers. - Lead with empathy
Most parents aren’t asking for special treatment — they’re asking for understanding. A culture of trust tends to be repaid i
n loyalty and discretionary effort.
Supporting working parents during school holidays isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s part of building a workplace where people can perform at their best — sustainably.
Back to News