Taking the kids out of school - why did I worry so much!!

[tttessa]

Hiya,

I have been on and off these boards winding myself up for ages about taking the kids out of school for a week before October half term -Is it fundamentally wrong?? - how do I get permission???..... What should I put on the form??..... what if???? what if????? what if????

My stomach has been doing flip flops, churning away, feeling guilty etc - lots of you will recognise the symptoms.....

Well last week I put in the form - took advice from here to do it early and do it simple..... I just put "family trip to US" + dates as reason - no justification or anything - 2 days later absence approved.

THANK YOU DISers

The taking out of school threads can get long and involved and emotional, but they really did help us make a decision. Just what these boards are for.

Tessa

 

[Brendalynn]

I would worry also.

 

[iluvtot]

Good news Now you can begin to enjoy your planning

Jules x

 

[2Tiggies]

Glad to hear it. As you said, sometime saying less is better!

 

[tttessa]

Good news Now you can begin to enjoy your planning

Jules x

Yep - I think that is exactly it......

I was sort of holding my breath and holding back on the excitement of planning til it was all done and dusted..... had a collective exhale when we got approval! I KNOW it shouldn't matter or make a difference, but it does....

Tessa

 

[joolz1910]

Great news.

 

[T16GEM]

Great News

I was also like that and I asked DD's Nursery teacher about it beforehand and she kind of put my mind at rest and said that she thought it would be ok.
When the slip came back in the book bag to say that it was all ok I was very relieved! (we were still going anyway but I didn't want the demon head mistress to be on my case! )

 

[crabbie1]

I spoke to my daughters school and they said as long as it is nt over the ten days they very rarely refuse it. It is a worry and although Iv asked several times until I get the approval back I wont rest.

 

[Pegasus928]

Pleased to hear you got the help and advice you needed form these boards. There are a wide range of people and professions on here, so you were always bound to get conflicting opinions around a subject such as this. It is then up to you as an individual to sort out what is relevant to you - which you obviously did and it worked out well in the end

Enjoy your planning

 

[madmumof2]

I was the same! I took my eldest out of school on the 8th of Oct (at lunch time) but he didn't finish school until the following friday, so he had 6 1/2 days off. I was worried because it was more than a week that they'd say no. We'd still have gone of course, he was 6, not in a fundamental year or anything.

But still, I sent the letter off month and months in advance and it was approved straight away. It was a major relief knowing I could get excited and so could Cameron at school without having their disapproval hanging over our heads.

It turns out they did nothing that final week, it was all fun and games before half term, so not only did he miss nothing but learnt tonnes in Florida.

 

[zippy99]

I have found my son's school has an inset day either side of the October half term.

However, my daughter starts high schooldand i do not know their inset days so she could need 6 days. I spoke to her school and as she will be in year8 they said it should be fine.

In fairness, both have had 10day absenses approved twice before on previous trips so I amnot to concerened.

The problem i have is that I work for an event company and I have an exhibition to run in Feb Half term, one in April,the next is straight after the May holiday meaning time off during these holidays is a no-no. My husband is a chef and August and December are a big no-no for him as it is super busy.

Therefore, trying to take a two week break is virtually impossible without going into school time

 

[tttessa]

I have found my son's school has an inset day either side of the October half term.

However, my daughter starts high schooldand i do not know their inset days so she could need 6 days. I spoke to her school and as she will be in year8 they said it should be fine.

In fairness, both have had 10day absenses approved twice before on previous trips so I amnot to concerened.

The problem i have is that I work for an event company and I have an exhibition to run in Feb Half term, one in April,the next is straight after the May holiday meaning time off during these holidays is a no-no. My husband is a chef and August and December are a big no-no for him as it is super busy.

Therefore, trying to take a two week break is virtually impossible without going into school time

How I know that feeling!!!!! We also have no idea of our school's inset days - despite it supposedly being county policy to give notice 2 full terms in advance!
Tessa

 

[mickeyforpresident]

I'm really pleased for you!!

 

[fairytale]

Oh I am so jealous of you all

My childrens school have catagorically refused all leave, unless you can prove it is for "Funerals, exploring the possibility of emigrating or if recovering from severe illness and therefore needing a holiday".

I started a thread a while back, which although went seriously OT, had a lot of great advice regarding this matter. I am therefore proposing to simply write a letter to the school advising them of when my children will not be attending and pity much leave it at that.

 

[Pegasus928]

Oh I am so jealous of you all

My childrens school have catagorically refused all leave, unless you can prove it is for "Funerals, exploring the possibility of emigrating or if recovering from severe illness and therefore needing a holiday".

I started a thread a while back, which although went seriously OT, had a lot of great advice regarding this matter. I am therefore proposing to simply write a letter to the school advising them of when my children will not be attending and pity much leave it at that.

I remember the thread well - although OT it was pretty good mannered and well natured by (almost) all participants and I think we all learnt a lot from it.
Our secondary school has a similar list to yours (although I would seriously dispute attending a funeral as being categorised as leave ) but it is more extensive. It also includes such things as a parent working overseas etc.
I think you are doing the right thing in what you are planning and would be interested to see how it turns out.