Anyone had a fine for unauthorised absence at school?

[LorraineH]

Hi Guys.

We're desperately planning a second trip. And we were thinking of going for the 2 weeks next Easter. But we are struggling BIG TIME cost-wise.

We can save a fortune by going 2 weeks in Feb (during the half-term), so our son (who is due to start secondary school in September) will miss 5 days schooling.

We took the children out of school for 2 weeks during our trip last October - which was authorised as they were both in junior school, and I was getting married, so the kids were coming whether we got fined or not!!!

But I live in Sutton, and have read a similar thread saying Sutton will fine if you take your secondary-school-age children out during term time.

Can anyone help me? Do you take Year 7 kids out of school? And were you fined?


Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[Verity Chambers]

At our school (primary) you can have 10 days holiday authorised.

V.xxx

[kristieuk]

Yes, that is the same for us - 10 days (but when we've asked for 10 and a half to travel to Gatwick the day before, it caused no problems at all.)

[stubb]

hi lorraine

we are taking our year7 son out for an extra 7 days over the 10 day allowance. we spoke to his head of year who said that although it would go on his record as unauthorised it wasnt as if he would be missing a great deal,we leave on thursday.

my other son had done his gcses and we got reasonable prices for flights. i must admit that if the head of year had given us a hard time we probably would not have gone.

i think it may be worth a phone call to see how the land lies. But dont ask the first week back after the summer holidays as that wont go down too well.

good luck


michelle

[Danauk]

I am a teacher in a primary school and we get children taking extra holiday all the time over their 10 day allowence. I have never heard of anyone being fined. I have to take a day off myself in January what I come back from my WDW trip. They changed our term dates after I had booked my holiday!! The boss doesn't mind though as she knows it wasn't my fault! My husband is a secondary school teacher and he has never had it happen in his school either (we work in different LEA's).

[Aceman88888]

I was under the impression that the actual ability to 'fine' parents does not exist yet as there is no legal framework to do so, even as a civil case. I'm no legal eagle, but have yet to hear of anyone being fined.

However, as schools reserve the right to record holidays as unauthorised absence, they can include it in school records, reports and probably are able to pass on details to subsequent schools (i.e. Primary to Secondary) which could become a factor in selection for limited places. Just a thought, but a potentially worrying one if you live in an area primarily for its school catchment. Just like the 'fine' system though, I'm sure this would instigate a parental World War 3!

[Disney Bint]

We took our kids out last nov, one was in primary school and the other in year 7. The primary school were as good as gold and let us take our daughter out for 12 days. The secondary school on the other hand was a bit more of a problem. We wrote a letter explaining that the holiday had been booked for the last 18 months and it was impossible to change. Bearing in mind our son had only been there for a couple of months, the letter he came back with was devastating. It said that the holiday was unauthorised and that he may not have his place when he came back. Our son was absolutely beside himself and thought that he would not see his mates again.

We spoke to the head of year and pupil support who said that "although we will not authorise this holiday we still have to give out this letter. It is mainly for the people who take thier kids out for 6 weeks at a time". We were not too happy with this as our son is a capable young man and is in a class which is being fast tracked to take his gcse's early. If he was behind in his work we would not have minded.

We want to try and get a last minute booking for oct this year as we do not want to put our kids through that ordeal this year (they will both be in seniors years 7 and 8), but the prices are so high. The difference in going in oct and the end of nov is around about £2000. Also our work doesn't let us have holidays during the summer because of the volume of business and can only take our dates around winter time.Unfortunately schools do not recognise the difficulty some working parents have to try and spend some quality time with their kids.

sorry to rant but this is a subject which makes me very angry.

[matty624]

We want to try and get a last minute booking for oct this year as we do not want to put our kids through that ordeal this year (they will both be in seniors years 7 and 8), but the prices are so high. The difference in going in oct and the end of nov is around about £2000. Also our work doesn't let us have holidays during the summer because of the volume of business and can only take our dates around winter time.Unfortunately schools do not recognise the difficulty some working parents have to try and spend some quality time with their kids.

sorry to rant but this is a subject which makes me very angry.

I know how you feel. But at least you have the luxury of 10 school days out. Teachers do not! It really isn't the schools faults they are clamping down. It is due to parents taking children out for 2+ weeks (during term time) that they are. There is no way a child can miss 2 weeks plus, and still perform aswell as they would have done if they'd been in school. I'd question the performance of the school itself, if they say your child isn't going to miss much! For your information, I have a parent of a child in my school who the LEA are in the process of prosecuting due to the child being on holiday for 3 weeks in September and a further 3 in March.
Ian

[Disney Bint]

As far as our senior school is concerned we do not have ten days holiday.

I do feel sorry for school teachers as they too have to put up with the holiday corporations charging extortionate prices to plump up their profit margins.

Again, if our kids were in the bottom of their class we would not even consider it. Fortunately, our kids are above average and are on course to take their gcse's early and have achieved above average SATS results. And that was with taking them out of school in nov for the past few years.

Disney Bint

[Laurajean1014]

I do not believe we have this in the States!

[lakers]

Lorraine H, Disney Bint

Hi
I too live in Surrey,Epsom to be precise, and know what you mean about schools making threats to fine parents who take children away on holiday without "PERMISSION".
All i can say is that i will be going to Disney with my daughters on the 3rd September for two weeks which will mean my girls will be out of school for ten days at the beginning of the new term.
Although,admittedly, this is not ideal i have no option due to my work and getting time off,true i have applied for a leave of absence from school and i am still awaiting a reply,although if im honest even if they say no were going.
I,along with many other people think that holiday companies do take advantage of us parents by increasing holiday prices significantly during school holiday periods and quite rightly in my mind take advantage of the cheaper deals during term time.
Dont get me wrong im not an anarchist and would not even think of taking my daughters out of school during important exams or study periods.
Am i wrong in thinking that tour operators should bring prices down during school holidays ?? i dont think so !
Ok rant over ! and sorry about this on the Dis board but just had to reply :earseek: :3dglasses

[mej]

I teach in a Primary School in Northern Ireland and we have no "fine" here. We do ask the parents to fill in a form stating which dates the children will be out of school and this is filed. We also have a policy that in these cases we do not provide worksheets etc - our boss is an enlightened man who knows that it is the teaching that is the important bit - not the worksheet!

From my own point of view, my holiday would have been £1800 cheaper if I had been able to go on 30th June (our last day of term in Northern Ireland). I could have taken the day as unpaid leave but I'm a sentimental soul and just couldn't leave "my" kids with someone else on their last day in Primary One (Reception). And more than sentimentality, the last thing I do is line them up and remind them to stay safe over the summer - 2 summers ago we had a brother and sister killed in a car crash at the ages of 8 and 3.

So I'm £1800 worse off, but - only 2 sleeps until I do go!!

[mark&sue]

I totally agree with Disney Bint. I cannot take time in summer holidays as my work does not allow it. I too feel really strongly about this subject as it is a constant source of argument at work about who can take time off during the school holidays.

I would have thought the fine system was bought in to try and stop the thousands of children who bunk off school each year hanging around street corners, taking drugs etc, causing a general nuisance of themsevles which has become a very big problem in this country. It seems amazing to me that parents are having to worry about the odd holiday they take when there is so much more serious problems happening.

I don't want to go to WDW at Easter or Christmas as it is far too busy, even if my work would would allow me. I will continue to go Ocotober half terms and take my daughter out of school for a week. It is not any cheaper than the summer but much less busy.

Perhaps schools should look at sickness records and fine parents who constantly let their children take days off for any minor ailment. My daughter has only missed 2 days off school sick in the last seven years she has been at school. She has probably missed less school time than her peers even though we have always taken her out of school to go on holiday to WDW.


Susan

[LorraineH]

Thanks for all the replies. The holiday will cost us about £2000 in Feb, or £3,800 at Easter!!

It is a tricky subject, I know, but apparently in Sutton if you have unauthorised absence due to truancy, or consistently getting in late after the registers close, the Education Welfare Dept will "sit down and talk to the parent" to see if they can reach a solution without imposing fines.

But to take 5 days holiday - well thats a no-no, and apparently Sutton will send out a fine of £50 to pay within 42 days, and if no payment is made it will go up to £100.

To cut a long story short, we are now in July and still dont even know where my son is going in September!! We put down 4 secondary schools on the application form and were turned down for all of them!! We have found another school in a different LEA that will take my son, and we have appealled for our first original choice, and by the end of next week we will know exactly where he will go.

Our original first choice (in Sutton LEA) wont authorise ANY holiday in term time. The other school (in a different LEA) may authorise if its an "educational visit". I class going to Discovery Cove, Seaworld, Epcot etc as very educational.

And I know what you mean by keeping kids off with minor ailments. Anthony had a right nasty hacking cough for over a week, but other than that he felt well. I sent him to school, only to get a call at work asking me to collect him and not to send him back until his cough was clear. That took nearly 10 days!!

So, if we do win our school appeal (which is a pretty slim hope seeing the figures released for those winning school appeals), and we do go ahead and book for Feb, just how bad is getting an "unauthorised absence" mark? We're happy to pay the £50 fine! Still saving us over £1700!! I read somewhere that once the fine is paid, the "liability is discharged". Is this just like a parking ticket? With no record anywhere?

I cant believe my 11 year old son would have difficulty finding employment in later life *** he had 5 days unauthorised absence in Year 7!!!

Anyway, guys, thanks for all the replies. I just with my LEA was as lenient as some others!!


Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[Disney Bint]

Another thing that annoys us with the senior school is the trips that they take the kids on during term time.

Whereas the majority of them are educational during term time, can anyone tell me if going ski-ing is one of those? They also took some kids to euro disney!

Maybe they are learning another language whilst there but isn't WDW etc educational too?

Pot and kettle comes to mind

Disney Bint

[matty624]

Another thing that annoys us with the senior school is the trips that they take the kids on during term time.

Whereas the majority of them are educational during term time, can anyone tell me if going ski-ing is one of those? They also took some kids to euro disney!

Maybe they are learning another language whilst there but isn't WDW etc educational too?

Pot and kettle comes to mind

Disney Bint
Err, I take exception to that. Having organised 2 Disneyland Paris trips, we go every other year, I can tell you trips abroad are extremely educational! Despite being a very big WDW fan, children going with their peers, away from their parents, get alot more out of it, than a trip with the family to WDW. The kids in my primary school, who are in the top 5% most deprived of the population, would never get such opportunites, if it wasn't for their school.
Ian

[Candy]

We also live in sutton.i took dd who is in year 10 and ds who is in year 8 both out of school last october for 10 days. both schools were fine.we plan to do the same october06.if we get a fine we will just have to pay it.

[Disney Bint]

I'm sure the schools would not take these school trips during the school holidays though because of the cost and also it would take up one of the many holidays that teachers have, around about 12 weeks compared to my 14 days.

If it wasn't for schools having to have targets in attendance to "top the school charts", us hard working parents, who don't get much time with our kids, or have much money to spend on them because they are paying childminders/school/holiday clubs, there wouldn't be this argument all the time.

It is the holiday companies too who are making it difficult for everyone.

WDW is educational and as a family we try to do educational things whilst there, i.e, swimming with dolphins and learning all about their environment. Going to Busch gardens/ seaworld and learning all about wildlife and the impact the environment has on them.Of course there are the fun parts but interacting with people from different cultures is a rewarding experience. Disney ethics is that everyone can live together and be happy and we thought that is what is encouraged in schools.

Teachers do a fantastic job and deserve all the praise that they get, but surely it could be understood that many other parents do not get as much time off with their kids as teachers do.

Disney Bint

[matty624]

Actually, I have spent at least 8 weeks, over the last 12 years, supervising children on trips, during holiday periods. Now I have my own children, you're right disney Bint, I'm not going to spend my well earned holidays with other peoples.
I agree it is the holiday companies who are to blame. To be fair, holiday companies are finally making token gestures to address this problem, by offering discounts to parents of school aged children during holiday periods. It annoys me when people complain about the holidays teachers get. Bear in mind, we have absolutely no flexibility as to when we take them. Even a single day either side of a holiday, is out of the question. If I wasn't a teacher, since my children are bright, I would jump at the chance of taking them out for a few days either side of a holiday. Even 2 days before the schools break up, can reduce the cost of a holiday to WDW by hundreds. So please, don't get at teachers for having the privilege of only going at peak times.
Ian

[Mrs Dazzle]

:sad2: This subject always get very emotional - and not surprisingly. Myself, I work as an Admin Officer for a junior school and am therefore stuffed to go anytime other than during term time and I am still in shock at the price difference between going this August and either May or October when we've been before (before working for a school).

Like I said, this topic ALWAYS raises people's temper levels - some of the comments I've seen on other boards are very interesting, to the point that lots of people are of the opinion that if you can't afford to go other than out of term time, then look somewhere else for holiday or quit moaning (not my views, just showing how these threads are :rolleyes1 ).

But, to this end I would agree. We can't go anytime other than in school holidays - not ideal for either cost or crowd levels (or heat/humidity in August), so we've had to save extra hard because it is the only time we can go . . . I'm not complaining, wish I could take myself out of school for two weeks, but I can't so we have to put up and shut up if we want to go over to Florida that it's on school holidays).

As for school trips :sad2: :sad2: How sad people have to knock these, if only I'd had the opportunities the children these days have (my DD included) - and I'm not THAT old :rolleyes:

And the comments about paying for childcare - I must have paid out THOUSANDS of pounds when I was working as a PR Manager for someone else to look after our daughter - but that was my choice and I suspect that it is yours too. Nobody works for the love of it, we all do it to earn money . . . most people on here I suspect to hand it over to Walt Disney ::MickeyMo

[Disney Bint]

Our combined family income is just over £10,000 per year. We are in low paid jobs that only give us 14 days holiday a year, of which, we can only take between the months of october and november. We both came from families that were also in low paid jobs and therefore want to give our own children the opportunities and experiences that we never had as children. We work hard and save hard for 50 weeks of the year. Between the holiday companies, LEA's and the schools, us low paid parents don't stand a chance do we?



Disney Bint :confused3

[maureen4200040]

Hi Guys.

We're desperately planning a second trip. And we were thinking of going for the 2 weeks next Easter. But we are struggling BIG TIME cost-wise.

We can save a fortune by going 2 weeks in Feb (during the half-term), so our son (who is due to start secondary school in September) will miss 5 days schooling.

We took the children out of school for 2 weeks during our trip last October - which was authorised as they were both in junior school, and I was getting married, so the kids were coming whether we got fined or not!!!

But I live in Sutton, and have read a similar thread saying Sutton will fine if you take your secondary-school-age children out during term time.

Can anyone help me? Do you take Year 7 kids out of school? And were you fined?


Lorraine D :Pinkbounc


I would'nt worry too much about it. I'm taking my 12 yr old niece on 9 September 05, she only goes back to school for two days after the summer holidays, and then we're off to Orlando. She's at Middle School and the headmaster did'nt even bat an eyelid at the date we had - he told her to enjoy herself, because when she gets back there will have a lot of catching up to do with her school work. The price I got for our package was too good to miss.

[carolfoy]

Have had to speak to ds's school only this morning as although we are taking Cal out of school for WDW in nov for 2 weeks, we want to take him to the grand canyon, monument etc next April for 2 weeks and the days overlap him going back to school, his headteacher told me this morning she really didn't mind as long as he does one of his show and tells when he comes back! She said he rarely takes sick days and is well above his sats standard so she's quite happy for him to do this, I guess it just boils down to the individual school.

[LorraineH]

We also live in sutton.i took dd who is in year 10 and ds who is in year 8 both out of school last october for 10 days. both schools were fine.we plan to do the same october06.if we get a fine we will just have to pay it.


Candy - can I just ask what Secondary School in Sutton your kids go to?

Thanks again everyone for the replies. I know this argument always raises a few nerves.

I do believe some schools are more lenient, as they see a trip to the States as something worthwhile and of benefit to the children.

Other schools (most notably in Sutton) just want to slap on fines like parking tickets! I wouldnt worry too much if I was going to pay a £50 direct to the school. But apparently the £50 covers the cost of not going to court??

Can anyone work that one out??!!!



Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[wendye]

My DS (he will be in year 11 from September) brought a letter home with him the other week saying that in Sheffield they are going to be enforcing these fines where the pupils attendance is below 80%. It also stated that the 10 day allowance was 'not a right' and was at the total discretion of the school, that provided the pupil's attendance was above the required 80% it would be looked at favourably but the application must have been made at least 2 weeks beforehand and no applications would be accepted for September.


Personally this isn't a problem for me because my DS finishes next year and we have only ever taken our two out for 1/2 a day at the beginning of December for a Christmas party weekend and one day when they were in Junior/Infant school and I got the dates wrong. I can however sympathise with those who either can't take school holidays or can't afford school holidays.

Disney Bint - Wow if you only have a combined family income of just over £10,000 how do you manage to get to WDW! We have an income of just over £30,000 and we are only just managing it and that's with constant saving for over a year! What's the secret - let us in on it :teeth:

[Candy]

Hi LorraineH my son goes to Carshalton sports college and my daughter goes to Wallington high school for girls. i think making us pay a fine is just a way of making money as i have said already both my children were out of school for 10 days last year and both are doing fine at school.and i will do it again.

[LorraineH]

Hi LorraineH my son goes to Carshalton sports college and my daughter goes to Wallington high school for girls. i think making us pay a fine is just a way of making money as i have said already both my children were out of school for 10 days last year and both are doing fine at school.and i will do it again.

Hi again Candy - we chose Greenshaw as our first preference as we live at the bottom of Sutton but didnt get in due to distance! We also got turned down for Glenthorne, Overton Grange and Cheam! We tried later to get Anthony into Carshalton Boys only to be told it was full. We did however get offered last week Stanley Park :rotfl2: As if!!!!

Anyway Greenshaw wont authorise holidays. We are in touch with The Beacon in Banstead and they have a home-school agreement which states "I will TRY not to take my child out of school during term time".

By deciding to book a fortnight in Feb and taking 5 days off school isnt exactly TRYING that hard though is it?!!!

I am surprised that Wallington Girls allow it. I thought all those schools were far too academic.

So it seems to be down to the individual school, not the individual LEA.

[Netty]

[QUOTE=Disney Bint]I'm sure the schools would not take these school trips during the school holidays though because of the cost and also it would take up one of the many holidays that teachers have, around about 12 weeks compared to my 14 days.

:teacher: one of many holidays that teachers have :rolleyes: obviously not doing anything but holidaying and enjoying themselves!! all the lesson plans reports etc must be done the night before school term starts.... :confused3

[Candy]

Hi LorraineH in reply to your post.before we took the children out of school last year we were not sure if this was the right thing to do as we have never taken them out of school before.but i must say that a lot of girls take time of at my daughters school and the school are very good about it. my children dont take many sick days from school but i do know of a lot of parents who let their children take a day off just because they dont like the lessons that day.I would say take the time off and have the holiday what ever school they go to.

[Disney Bint]

If we had the option of going in the summer like everyone else we would, despite the cost, but we can't. Work only permits us to take our 2 weeks in october and november.

We bought our council house years ago and have nearly paid off our very low mortgage. With lots of sacrifices on our part, our children have got to experience things that we only dreamt of when we were their age.

The children that go on school trips, i.e, ski-ing, euro disney, are they asked to catch up on work that they have missed whilst away? Or is it just brushed under the carpet so to speak.

I am really sorry to rant and rave but it is really hard to get the point across when you feel that you are hitting a brick wall all of the time.

The discussion could go on forever and the holiday companies will still be collecting their profits.

Disney Bint :sad2:

[Netty]

i took my kids to wdw for the last week of august 1st week of september.
at the time my daughter was going into year 7. we had a great holiday, but it did take her a couple of weeks to settle in school afterwards because the rest of the pupils had bonded and chosen who and where they wanted to sit, this was the only downside to it. do what you think is right for you and yours, if its cheaper for you to go in term time and only miss afew days then go for it :) , your kids are only kids once and they soon grow up.
:wave:

[Miffy2003]

The question was, did you get fined for taking your children out of school? I took mine out for 9 days at the end of Autumn term last year and did not. Having said that, we hadn;t done it before and I really can;t see us doing it again.

I fully support schools taking children away on holidays in term time and bless the teachers for being with the children 24/7. I am not a teacher incidentally ;)


Whether you are comfortable taking your children out of school is a very personal decision and I would respect anyone for wanting (or not wanting) to do this :)

[matty624]

The children that go on school trips, i.e, ski-ing, euro disney, are they asked to catch up on work that they have missed whilst away? Or is it just brushed under the carpet so to speak.

Disney Bint :sad2:
Why Disney Bint? Why? Why complain about teachers giving up their time to take children on trips and experience the magic of Disney, or the challenge of doing things they would never usually get to do? No, we do not make children catch up! My last trip to DLP was after the Christmas performances, which I organised, and took place when they would have been making Christmas cards etc, during the last 4 days of the Autumn term. A big difference between then, and the middle of a term (or heaven forbid the beginning), when the children are in full flow. Having said that, I still think (as a teacher), if your children are above average, working hard, and you feel the advantages out weigh the possible disadvantages, go ahead and risk fines. I would! But only for a week of so, not 2+.
Thank you Miffy2003, I'm glad some people feel like that. In this age of litigation, the enormous risk assessments we have to fill in, even visiting nearby places, are ridiculous. In fact, many teachers and especially headteachers, are unwilling to let trips take place. For our DLP trip last December, I was so paranoid and worried something might go wrong, other staff who came along, complained I was treating like a military operation! Even now, they keep quoting me, "the first hour of the day is the best!" I've probably been to WDW too many times for those wussy Disney virgins!
Ian

[dalymum]

always a hot potato this one - but I have had the same problem and even had visit from the absence board as there were alot of errors in my daughters attendance record. Her holiday in Spetember to Florida last year was authorised and it had been put on the records as unauth, they had put an exclusion on there (wrong) and 3 spells that didnt happen. On top of that my father in law died and she had a few days off with genuine sick as well. Despite them amending their records, they would not withdraw the 'warning'. despite this we are going again this year although the first week is in the holidays. It's not just the prices that are ridiculous in the holdays, the crowds are as well. I know it's not ideal but she will be 16 next year and then we dont have the problem any more.
She didnt suffer and learned far more than she would have done. It was her first trip abroad ever.

[Disney Bint]

I am not having a go at teachers but the system itself.My point being that the schools take the kids on these week long trips and say nothing about the work that has been missed in other lessons, especially in senior schools.

I think teachers do an amazing job and have the patience of saints, but the principle is still there. Can these children who go away on week long school trips catch up too?

All i was asking for last year was 2 weeks at the end of november and i was threatened with my child losing his place at the school where all of his mates were. Apparently, the warning we were given was for "the people who take their kids out for 6 weeks at a time". This annoyed me as my children haven't had any days off sick for the last four years. They are both above average and will take their gcse's early. There are others in their classes who take time off at the drop of a hat and are not even warned.

Disney Bint :sad2:

[Mrs Dazzle]

I think teachers do an amazing job and have the patience of saints, but the principle is still there. Can these children who go away on week long school trips catch up too?

All i was asking for last year was 2 weeks at the end of november and i was threatened with my child losing his place at the school where all of his mates were. Apparently, the warning we were given was for "the people who take their kids out for 6 weeks at a time". This annoyed me as my children haven't had any days off sick for the last four years. They are both above average and will take their gcse's early. There are others in their classes who take time off at the drop of a hat and are not even warned.

Disney Bint :sad2:
Disney Bint - to answer the first bit, from the "outside" (ie non-school workers) it probably does look like it's one long jolly - both for the kids and the teachers. However, these trips are normally part of their curriculum studies - ie field trips for geography, history, PSHE&C . . . although not quite sure where DLP would come in - maybe the history of Walt Disney or French ;) They don't need to catch up since this is part of their school work, and having a good time too. These trips are planned months (sometimes years) in advance.

With regards your second comment, I absolutely agree with you. This is an excellent example of how the minority (ie those people who think nothing of taking their child out of school for whatever reason) are ruining it for the majority. We had one recently where the parents took their child out of our school for THREE days to 'buy a new puppy' - she was a struggling Yr 6 the week before her SATS :sad2: , the type who don't even bother to ring in when their child is off sick - and those who think it's 'ok' to take their children off on holiday without even informing the school, just send in a letter when they return to say oh and by the way Little Jimmy's not been in for the last week or two because we took him on holiday :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 Incredible. Children go to school to get an education, to make friends and (hopefully!) to enjoy it. To take a child out of school like the dog-buying example above is just plain selfish by the parents, no thought of their child at all.

Attendance figures are looked at not only in school, but also by your LEA. If the school aren't seen to be doing something about it (and they blooming well should), then the LEA will get involved.

Each headteacher can agree to a maximum of 10 'authorised' absences each year. This does not include sick days, we don't limit children to only 10 days sick each year ;). But it is at the discretion of each headteacher - and it's their views (in conjunction with the governor's) as to whether they "allow" time off school.

My friend wanted to go to Florida for the first time this summer, took one look at the prices end of August beginning of September and decided they would go then. This meant her 4.5 year old would have missed the first week of term, his first in infant school :sad2: Friendship groups are made during this time, so when he went to school on retunr from holiday he would not have felt close to anyone and bless him, he's a nervous little chappy at the best of times. My heart broke for him, the parents had not even given any consideration to him, just saw cheaper prices. It's a balancing act - life is a flipping balancing act - but surely children come first?

Up until the last two years, we had always taken DD out during term time for a week while she was at primary school (to coincide with a half term); I ALWAYS checked with her teacher before even booking the holiday. My view was her teacher, ie the one who knows her, should give the ok (this is before the LEA authorisation forms came in mind you) and like you we are blessed with a very intelligent child. Each of her teacher's always said not a problem, she won't need to catch up *** she's ahead already, it was always around a holiday so they were winding down any way and some of the places we have visited (especially the caribbean, Hong Kong and the Philippines to day with my brother and his family) have been very educational - "real life" experience, rather than reading about these places in a book.

[Candy]

I think we as parents are made to feel bad if we take our children out of school for two weeks for a family holiday why? because the school wants to look good on paper so more children apply for their school. schools should cut down the summer holidays to four weeks and add the extra weeks to the may and october holidays. the schools say this would take to much planning.i think until the schools can sort it out they should let all children take up to the 10 days holiday out of school and stop giving us parents a hard time. and look more towards the children that take the odd days of all through the school year. i never let my children take a day off because they dont like one of their lessons but i know a lot of parents that do.

[florida sun]

At the end of the day, it is up to each individual parent. I took my daughter out of primary school for 10 days once to go to Florida.

Now she is is High School, I have never taken her out for holidays. She is now at a very important time with her mock exams coming up and studying really hard. And I know how much work she brings home from school on a weekly basis, and that would have to be caught up with.


Our school will not give authorised absence at all for holidays in term time, not 10 days, not 1 day.

I thank god that the school organises school trips, and thank each one of the teachers who take the time to give my daughter an oppertunity to visit places she might not see otherwise. All of her school trips have been based on part of her course work. Last year she went to Germany with school for 5 days on a language course, yes they had 1 day in a German Theme Park, but is'nt school outings all about fun as well as education.

Next week as part of her photography class they are off to France,3 days photographing the beautiful seaside town of La Touquet and 1 Day having fun at a outdoor pursuits centre.

I always try to book my holidays for the last 2 weeks in August when crowds and prices do drop if only by a little.

Sue

[kev kendall]

I'm a teacher in Lancashire. We've never fined anyone for taking holidays. We are allowed to authorise ten school days a year for family holidays. All other days are un-authorised and appear in records etc. I don't see a problem, but overall attendance figures mix into the equation of whether a school is successful or not, and can be a trigger for inspections etc. For some reason, the government think that schools where the children are in 100% are more sucessful that those who have children who take absences during term time. I wish that I could take time off, but I'd have to take leave of absence and not get paid. We authorise ten days for all children who request it, but have been told by our LEA to expect OFSTED becuase our attendence is triggering it!!!

[bj-sailaway]

LorraineH, I am from Sutton too. Have just fought an appeal for St Philomena's for a friends daughter, she already has 4 girls there and the 5th was turned down!!! Lovely family too. Anyway, if you haven't already had your appeal, buy the book "How to win your School Appeal, by Ben Rooney" It's definitely what won our case for us.

Also, it may have been me who wrote in the previous thread, a pal with kids at Overton was a day late back to start school, it went as unauthorised and the council fined her £50 per girl - £100 for 1 day. The joke is, they work it like parking fines, you get it for £50 if you pay on time, or £80 (I think it was) if you pay late.

The system isn't for those that bunk off, it's for the parents they think they'll squeeze the money out of. It absolutely stinks. However, I do know that some schools are sympathetic to the holiday problem. NOT St Phils or Overton though!

Which school are you fighting for?

[Candy]

My daughter goes to Wallington high school and they were fine when she had 10 days off last october. i dont know if they will be thre same when we go on holiday october 06.

[nicola]

I just can't believe what I am reading!!! Schools actually fining parents for taking their children out of school for a family holiday AND what's worse it going on their records. I have honestly never heard of anything so absurd in my life. What has this world come to? Is Big Brother watching or what???? My blood is boiling after reading this thread!!! Next, they'll be telling us what time they have to be in bed by!I think the Education Authorities need to realise that while an education is extremely important there are or should be other equally important aspects to our children's lives and these are for the parents to worry about Not the LEA. Many parents I know are absolutely obsessed with their children not missing any school. I feel sorry for them. Life is just too short. At the end of the day your child will make it through school and missing a few weeks is not going to make any difference in the larger scheme of things. In my opinion the LEAs in question here are way out of line and it's a good thing (for me and them) that I don't live in Sutton.

[arieliwish]

My DD (now 10) had a fantastic reception/Y1/Y2 combined teacher who firmly believed that a family holiday taken at whatever time of year did a child far more good than no family holiday at all - we live in a time when we are all balancing work and family life and quality FAMILY time away from the everyday pressures is so important, and I'm sure our children will remember these holidays for the rest of their lives, whether its Blackpool or Disney its the memories that count.

After all our kids can always catch up - they do when they're off ill, even if it means a bit more home work.

[Disney Bint]

Exactly! Well said, Arieliwish.

Disney Bint

[mark&sue]

Thank you Nicola and ArielIwish. I totally agree. This thread was beginning to make me very depressed. I even started looking to see how I could get round my bosses annual 3 three weeks + holiday slap bang in the middle of the six weeks summer holiday as I was getting worried about taking my daughter out in October half term with an extra 5 or 6 days out of term. I too cannot take two weeks at either Christmas or Easter as everyone in our team wants some time off and we are not allowed two weeks.

Why are we obsessed with our children's education when we have jobs now. My daughter may become a housewife and not work. She probably will be better off than me constantly worrying about when I can take time off work to either look after her or worse still being able to go to WDW which is all I really care about.

Fine or not I will continue to go to WDW when I can take the time off during my work. My husband runs his own business and is so lucky as he can take whatever time off he wants. He runs a successful building company and he told me he never went to school much past the age of 13 or 14!!! So much for his education. He has done well without it. At least can afford the fines!!!

[LorraineH]

LorraineH, I am from Sutton too. Have just fought an appeal for St Philomena's for a friends daughter, she already has 4 girls there and the 5th was turned down!!! Lovely family too. Anyway, if you haven't already had your appeal, buy the book "How to win your School Appeal, by Ben Rooney" It's definitely what won our case for us.

Also, it may have been me who wrote in the previous thread, a pal with kids at Overton was a day late back to start school, it went as unauthorised and the council fined her £50 per girl - £100 for 1 day. The joke is, they work it like parking fines, you get it for £50 if you pay on time, or £80 (I think it was) if you pay late.

The system isn't for those that bunk off, it's for the parents they think they'll squeeze the money out of. It absolutely stinks. However, I do know that some schools are sympathetic to the holiday problem. NOT St Phils or Overton though!

Which school are you fighting for?

I'm fighting for Greenshaw - had the appeal a week ago at Sutton Council Offices and apparently their making their decisions today. We should hear by the start of next week. But we dont have any "medical or social" reasons why Anthony should attend Greenshaw, so I dont hold out much luck. (Incidentally Overton was my second choice!!)

Greenshaw DO NOT AUTHORISE HOLIDAYS. It was stated in their literature. So Sutton will slam me with a fine, and this is what makes me mad. My kids have NEVER been late once, nor had an UNAUTHORISED absence. But because I cant afford Easter (nor would I want to-with the crowd situation), I am made to feel really guilty about wanting a good family holiday tacked onto the Feb half term.

But now that I've come to the conclusion that I wont win the appeal, and Anthony has been offered a place at The Beacon in Surrey County Council, who will fine me? I live in Sutton, but my son will go to a school outside of Sutton. Sutton couldnt offer me ANY school as they say "there were more applicants with a higher priority" than Anthony, so I have had to find my son a school off my own back. But Sutton will be the ones to benefit if I take Anthony out of school??!! Thats what makes me soooo mad! Why should Sutton get the money?

I am so sorry about this thread, I certainly didnt want to make anyone depressed! Come on guys! We're all looking to go to Disney!!! :cheer2: :cool1: :cheer2:

But I know how you feel! I'm depressed too!!!

Anyway, we have a Parents Open Evening for the new Year 7 kids at The Beacon next week, and I'll know by then whether I've won the appeal or not.

Maybe I could just ask at the Open Evening the question generally "will you authorise 5 days holiday?"

Thanks again everyone for all the input!!

Keep Smiling :earboy2: :earboy2: :earboy2:


Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[bj-sailaway]

All the best to you. These appeals are so stressful. Had tears this evening over the awards day that my daughters school hold. They don't seem to give awards to the ones who try hardest or improve the most, but to the ones who get the best grades. My daughter has really improved this year, and she is sad not to be recognised for it, she also feels sorry for the ones in the lower sets.

Kids, we feel all their hurt 10 times over for them, but they'll never realise it until they have their own children. I know I didn't!

Good luck with the appeal, but from the ofsted reports and teachers reviews I've heard the Beacon can easily give Greenshaw a run for it's money. One of my friends has a special needs child at Greenshaw and really regrets sending her there. But her case is a bit special.

It'll all work out for the best, although that's hard to feel at the moment. I'll say a little prayer for Antony before bed tonight!

[Disney Bint]

hope everything goes your way LorraineH

Disney Bint :cheer2:

[trevorsem]

Hi,

As a School Governor I know that it's down to each School to decide whether they issue the fine or not. They are also responsible for collecting any monies and hence, as with my School, fines are unlikely to be handed out.

For us, taking the kids out of School is worth it. In return, we arrange extra tution during the Summer Holidays.

T

[dynamite100]

I just can't believe what I am reading!!! Schools actually fining parents for taking their children out of school for a family holiday AND what's worse it going on their records. I have honestly never heard of anything so absurd in my life. What has this world come to? Is Big Brother watching or what???? My blood is boiling after reading this thread!!! Next, they'll be telling us what time they have to be in bed by!I think the Education Authorities need to realise that while an education is extremely important there are or should be other equally important aspects to our children's lives and these are for the parents to worry about Not the LEA. Many parents I know are absolutely obsessed with their children not missing any school. I feel sorry for them. Life is just too short. At the end of the day your child will make it through school and missing a few weeks is not going to make any difference in the larger scheme of things. In my opinion the LEAs in question here are way out of line and it's a good thing (for me and them) that I don't live in Sutton.

Absolutely agree with every word you've written.

Carl.

[LorraineH]

Thanks again everyone for all your kind thoughts.

It looks like we now are planning a 2007 trip (not next year!!) as Virgin are completely booked for Easter 06.

So maybe this in our favour, as I wont be taking the kids out of school during the school year 05/06, so they may well allow us to take holiday in 2007.

I just want to book the holiday!!! Virgin are taking bookings up to Dec 06, so I dont know how soon they will release dates for Feb/March 07.

Anyway, I'll keep you all informed on how the school appeal went, I should hear early next week.

Thanks again,



Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[Kirstin]

Hi,
We are off to WDW on tuesday.. My youngest brother is in year 7 and i have another in year 10 at the moment.. and although you can be fined, if you request permission you should get it.. Our high school just said well the government want us to cut back but if we consent it you'll be ok and have no fines to worry about!
And we only asked for them to have this time off last week! So they could of easily said no

Kirstin

[Candy]

If my daughter hadnt been offered a place at Waliington High School she would have gone to the Beacon and i am sure she would have done just as well there.lots of children in our area go to the Beacon and the ones that i know are fine it looks like a good school. it must be very hard for you Lorraine not knowing what school your son will be going to.With both my children by this tme not only did i know what school they were gong to but also what tutor group who would be in their class i had started to buy their uniform and they had spent a day at their new school to get to know teachers etc.i think more places should be offered to children that live in the borough in my daughters school very few do.

[BONZO]

Here is some info previously posted: -

Education (Schools and Further Education) Regulations 1981; Regulation 12.

Contained within this regulation, there is a discretionary power for leave to be granted for the purpose of an annual family holiday or an annual holiday during term time. Such permission is granted in accordance with arrangements made by the governing body of the school. Only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave granted exceed (in total) more than two weeks in any year. No parent can demand leave of absence for the purposes of a holiday as of right.

The above definition is further refined and clarified by the:

Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1995
Section 8 (1)

“Leave of absence may only be granted by a person authorised in that behalf by the proprietor of the school”

Section 8 (3) “Subject to paragraph (4), on application made by the parent with whom the pupil normally resides, a pupil may be granted leave of absence from the school to enable him/her to go away on holiday”

Section 8 (4) “Save in exceptional circumstances, a pupil shall not in pursuance of paragraph (3) be granted more than ten school days leave in any school year”

The above regulations clearly make the point that the headteacher has the final decision as to whether to authorise the holiday or not. If any parent goes into a school and demands their right to leave of absence so their child can have a family holiday during term time they should be aware that no such right exists, and it is up to the school whether they grant leave of absence. If they do not grant leave of absence there is no appeal to a higher authority.

If leave of absence is not granted it is then up to the parent to decide whether to take their child on holiday anyway, with their child's absence being recorded as unauthorised.

[LorraineH]

Guess what guys??

Just heard that we have LOST the appeal for Greenshaw. But one of my friends has a son that was accepted there, and she had to go to a New Student parent evening yesterday to be told that Greenshaw "will not tolerate ANY leave of absence during term time". My friend is furious, as she was planning on booking her first trip to WDW.

So now we know that Anthony will be going to The Beacon. He isnt as upset as I thought he would be, he went to an Induction Day there on Wednesday and really enjoyed it, and said he had made new friends and the teachers were "cool".

He showed me today a Handbook that had been given to the New Pupils, and it says in there that "if you need time off for holidays, or even one day, during school term time, then go to the School Office to collect a Special Form for your parents to fill in before you go"!!!!!!!!!!!!

So it looks like he will be authorised absence after all!!!!!

So, am I gutted I lost the appeal? No!!! Everyone is saying that The Beacon is just as good, and I get to take my family to WDW :cheer2: :cheer2: !

So I started this thread for nothing!!! - We wont be getting fined!!!

And we just had received his KS2 Sats results - a 5 in English, a 4 in Maths, a 5 in Science!! We are so proud of him. For months he hasnt known what school he is going to, but he still continued to work hard.


Thanks again for all the support and advice you've all given.

I feel a big weight has been lifted from my shoulders. We now know exactly what school Anthony will be attending in September. He isnt so upset, as he knows he can meet up with his "Greenshaw" friends socially after school.

I thought I would be distraught if we lose the appeal! But Im not!!!


So come on Virgin, release those February 2007 prices!!!

We're off to Pop!!!!!!!!



Lorraine D :Pinkbounc

[idofabric]

Wow! I accidently found this thread, and glad I did as it gave me a whole different outlook on the USA schools. My DD was at Edinbaurg for Univ.last semester and loved it and it was a lot different then her US Univ.
We live in S. Carolina, and or local School Distrist has a 10 day absence policy that INCLUDES sick days! If you miss days for sickness you must have a doctor note/excuse or it counts against your school record. If you are not in class by 11am(if the day starts at 8am, or 10 am if it starts at 7am) then you do not get credit for that day of classes, and it is an absence. However if you leave for the day after 11/10 am you get a whole day class credit. You are still counted absence from ind. classes in the middle/high school whrere you have different teachers for each class.
If you do miss more then 10 days of class(s) then they have the right to keep you back for an entire year, and the student can be required to repeat the entire year/same classes. It doesn't matter if you have a straight A student (100% Grade Point Average) or not. My Honor student DD missed more then 10 days one year due to excused illness and they wanted to hold her back in the same grade for the next year. We fought that and won, but only because we were in the US Navy at the time and the Military pays a certain amout of money for each child attending school to the local Dist. That amount is above the amount alloted by the goverment. She was in the top 5% of students, in a class size of several hundred students.
The School Board officals say that children missing more then 10 days do not get important social skills and education skills. This from a bunch of officals that allow classs to have up to 40 students per class with only 1 teacher!

Most classes average around 25 for lower grades, but up to 30. High school, age 13yo's to 18yo's have classe size of 20 for advance uiversity classes, to 40+ for some art/chours classes . Basic maths, science, etc can have 30-35 students with only 1 teacher, no aide. And the officals worry about "social and educational skills!"

And we live in a Nation Award winning School Dist! However, it is the South and they are not know for the best schools. We have lived in California and while the schools have different rules, they also frown on missing more then 8-10 days.

In most US schools there is no allowance for any personal holidays, except in the case of a close family death-parent, bro/sis, grandparent. Sometimes aunt or uncle/cousin. No exception for weddings.

And if a student has a medical emergency then a tutor will be provided- if you get the School Dist approval. It can take up to 3 months to get the tutor.

Sure am jealous of your Education system! We also have no say on what school our children will attend, it all depends on where you live, and the school is assigned by your address. There are a few Magnet/Special schools for gifted/advanced. If you go to private(your public?) school it costs out of your pocket and you still pay school tax for general school suport. Your child can not take any classes out side of there own school.

Oh, well I guess each has an upside? I guess mine is that it is a 6 1/2 hour drive to WDW....

Best of luck to all of you trying to get to Florida. Hope you all get to come over!

[bj-sailaway]

Lorraine, you didn't start it for nothing, we have all learnt alot about how different folk are treated in the school system. Sutton schools need to be consistent with each other. Now you know he is going to the Beacon, I will say that I am sure you've got the better school. I know someone who teaches at Greenshaw who says they wouldn't send their own child there. The Beacon offer far more extra curricular opportunities as well. Greenshaw offer so little that they shortened their school day and lunch break! I'm sure loads of people are very happy at Greenshaw and found their niche, but you will be very happy with the Beacon also. It's this "best for our kids" thing that we all want, it tears our hearts! All the very best to you and your family.

[Miffy2003]

Wow, things are certainly different for you guys, idofabric!

[lakers]

Lorraine
Sorry to hear about your problems getting your son into a school and loosing your appeal for Greenshaws.
I though doubt if your getting a better deal by sending them to the Beacon,a school where standards have dropped dramatically in the last 3 yrs,so much so that i took my daughters out and sent them to another school.......in Dorking. :rolleyes:
i dont want to worry you but the Beacon also have many problems with the kids there and bullying is rife,also they also finish school early on a Friday to save money as they are always over spent.

That said i hope you find things different and your son does like the Beacon,just wasnt suitable for my daughters,and good luck in getting your Hols booked. :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

L

[gadb1]

Our schools are fine for authorised abscence up until the end of year 6.

As soon as they go into yr 7 it becomes unacceptable and fines are issued unless you can claim exceptional circumstances.

My eldest is in yr 7 and we are taking him out from Dec 10th, it has been approved as my wife is using the vacation as convalesence from hospital treatment.

Hope this helps (although it may not be the answer you want)

[marlouwrig]

We prefer to go in October but this year as DS will be in Year 11 we decided to bite the bullet and go in school hols again.

Getting leave during school hols is difficult at work due to demand and the only two weeks DH & I could get together were last week August/First Sept. I checked term dates before booking last August. Begins 5th Sept and we fly back on the 6th.

I sent in the form to school on time to request authorised absence, explaining reasons, and pointing out DS's near perfect attendance record and very positive school report and this reply came back

"Only one day absence is required as school does not reopen until 7th September due to non pupil days. However it is school policy to refuse ANY requests for absence during Year 11, therefore your request in denied"

Of course we will go ahead with our holiday, but will not look forward to returning to possible recriminations :sad2:

[lucy_love_]

through the rumour mill i heard (hearsay) that the fine was 50 quid per child but if you do have to pay a fine for taking your children out of school during term time the math says its still cheaper than paying full whack for a half term hol. i took my children our for 13 days last year and will be doing the same this year.

bad bad lucy

[lucy_love_]

:teacher:

marlouwrig send your child with a sick note the next day.

bad bad lucy

[marlouwrig]

marlouwrig send your child with a sick note the next day.

I am tempted bad bad lucy believe me, but as they are well aware we are on hols I would not want DS to be put into the position of having to lie also.

I have already written a letter telling them what I think of their unreasonable and inflexible attitude and warning them that if they have anything further to say on the matter they should contact me and not involve DS ( who has already had to put up with one or two pointed remarks from his form teacher) :mad:

[edenlee]

"Pointed remarks" from the teacher is definately out of order. This is between you (the parent) and the school and it si grossly unfair to involve your child. We always take our WDW vacation in October/November. It usually involves half term - 5 days- and we are "allowed" 10 days holiday anyway so, as we go for 4 weeks that leaves 5 days. These are usually authroised but even if they weren't it wouldn't stop us because it is cheaper (as has been stated previously) to pay a fine of £50 or even £100 for our DD than the astronomical cost of a WDW holiday in school holoidays.

[alanda]

I think it is a mess all over and not consistent at all. I understand why schools are trying to clamp down, but at our school we have a headmaster who does not like term time holidays at all and has refused some people leave. So now, those who have been denied or have heard of the possibility that it might be denied just say their kids are sick and take them anyway. And this is a Junior school!

[patdavies]

Here is some info previously posted: -

Education (Schools and Further Education) Regulations 1981; Regulation 12.

Contained within this regulation, there is a discretionary power for leave to be granted for the purpose of an annual family holiday or an annual holiday during term time. Such permission is granted in accordance with arrangements made by the governing body of the school. Only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave granted exceed (in total) more than two weeks in any year. No parent can demand leave of absence for the purposes of a holiday as of right.

The above definition is further refined and clarified by the:

Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1995
Section 8 (1)

“Leave of absence may only be granted by a person authorised in that behalf by the proprietor of the school”

Section 8 (3) “Subject to paragraph (4), on application made by the parent with whom the pupil normally resides, a pupil may be granted leave of absence from the school to enable him/her to go away on holiday”

Section 8 (4) “Save in exceptional circumstances, a pupil shall not in pursuance of paragraph (3) be granted more than ten school days leave in any school year”

The above regulations clearly make the point that the headteacher has the final decision as to whether to authorise the holiday or not. If any parent goes into a school and demands their right to leave of absence so their child can have a family holiday during term time they should be aware that no such right exists, and it is up to the school whether they grant leave of absence. If they do not grant leave of absence there is no appeal to a higher authority.

If leave of absence is not granted it is then up to the parent to decide whether to take their child on holiday anyway, with their child's absence being recorded as unauthorised.


The above regulations do NOT "clearly make the point" that the Headteacher has the final decision. In fact, the regulation makes it clear that this is not the case "leave of absence may only be granted by a person authorised....".

The final decision rests with the Governors (although, accepted that this is normally delegated to the HT). If your HT will not grant leave of absence, then appeal to the Governors via the school's complaints policy (which it must have by law).

Another point is that ALL absence, authorised or not, has to be reported not only to the LA, but also to the DfES.

For those of you who say that your child can catch up anyway, who is going to teach the catch-up? Why should a teacher have to set extra work or repeat a topic in whole class just because one child was absent for a week or so?

Lastly for those of you weighing up the financial considerations of a cheaper holiday vs a £50 fine. I believe the regulations allow you to be fined per missed session - so for a 5 day absence the fine could be £500 per child

[patdavies]

Our combined family income is just over £10,000 per year. We are in low paid jobs that only give us 14 days holiday a year, of which, we can only take between the months of october and november.



Disney Bint :confused3


I am intrigued as to why you only have 14 days holiday per year, when the law quite clearly states 20 days paid holiday minimum

[TraceyL]

You are entitled to 4 weeks paid holiday per year - but it is worked out pro rata. If you only work 2 days per week then you get 8 days pay etc - I work 3 days a week so I get 12 days paid holiday iyswim :)

[Disney Bint]

I am intrigued as to why you only have 14 days holiday per year, when the law quite clearly states 20 days paid holiday minimum

During the summer holidays/easter and half terms and also teacher training days we need to finish work earlier to be at home for our children. We have arranged with our employer to finish whenever we need to during these times and also if we need to take the odd day off. Due to his flexibility in these matters, we have to compromise also.

Disney Bint

[mark&sue]

Because of these fines the flights to Orlando during school holiday times are becoming impossible to get. Regardless of price we are lucky to get a flight.

Can you believe that people are booking for Easter 2007


Susan

[alisonbestford]

Well, tried to post this earlier, as a new thread, with no luck so hope that half a dozen posts don't appear :sunny:
Had to share that, at the grand old age of 43, and after 5 hard years of hard, part time graft, I've managed to get my BA (hons) in Social Science and Law :teeth:
My graduation will be in Nov and, my question is, what does anyone think anyone at school would say if I asked if DD (6) could have a half day to attend my graduation ceremony?
Originally I was going to go for the 11 am graduation option, whilst she's at school, but then thought that she's been so good, and my success is part of this, that maybe I should go for the 3pm ceremony and ask if she could have the afternoon off school? :confused3
School allows 10 days authorised absence. I'll be asking for 6 of these for our April trip to WDW but was wondering how a request for my graduation would be viewed? Over the past year she's had just 2 days off sick :flower:
Originally I didn't even give a thought to asking for time off but she's been so good, going to her friend's etc after school if her dad wasn't well enough to look after her whilst I went to lectures (he has a brain tumour)
Any input would be much appreciated :love:

[lucy_love_]

off the point but......

i take a few half days a year for my dd10 because she does music. piano violin singing and theory exams. our headmaster is fantastic about this and says its fine and they are allowed time of for public exams. not the same as holidays i know but it just shows how attitudes differ from region to region.

lucy

[Netty]

marlouwrig
take it to the school governors if your not happy with the school, you might get somewhere!

[lucy_love_]

good idea netty.

i will have to do something if we are not autherised when my dd starts seniors as my dh works away an is very very rarely home during school holidays. infact sods law says hes due to leave the day the kids break up.

lucy

[Disney Bint]

We are going to have the same problem lucy love. We can only take our holidays at certain times too because our main business takings are when the kids are on holiday.We are the only staff who run the business and operate the machinary. We also have to see when the owner can actually cover us.

Its a sad fact of life that we are not allowed to spend quality time as afamily these days.

Disney Bint :sad2: