KS1 testing week - missing a day?

[zazzi]

We're planning to go on holiday at the end of KS1 testing week and so wanted DS to miss a day of school (Friday) before heading off - i.e. by calling in sick (yes, I know we're really bad but he has a near 100% attendance rate otherwise and we're going until Sunday only so it would be nice being able to use the Friday for the holiday too).

Questions, is this a problem?

[Witchend]

You know it's a problem.

[zazzi]

What's the problem (please no moralizing).

[icklekid]

If you think the sats are important than its obviously a problem. As a year 2 teacher I would be frustrated that your child would miss it but obviously genuine illnesses do happen! It may be that they haven't timetabled any for the Friday so you could always ask (although it would obviously make the illness more suspicious!)

[zazzi]

Maybe I misunderstood it - my son is in reception; that's different to KS1 RIGHT!?

[teacherwith2kids]

Re calling in sick when you're actually going away for the weekend ... you're going to need an exceptionally discreet 7 year old for that...

Teacher taking register: 'Are you feeling better, Johnny?'
Puzzled look from child.

Johnny to friends 'I went to X place, it was amazing'

would be quite enough to get the register mark changed from 'ill' to 'unauthorised holiday', and for the school involved to be really quite grumpy about the deception.

The KS1 tests can be administered at any time in May, so there isn't a specific testing 'week'. if your child misses one, then I presume the school will just make an arrangement for them to sit it when they return.

[RustyBear]

If your son is in reception, then he won't be doing SATs - KS1 SATs are done in Y2.

[teacherwith2kids]

Zazzi, there are no formal tests for Reception. KS1 tests are taken in Year 2.

Just ask for a day's holiday. it will be refused, then take it unauthorised anyway as I know of no local authorities where fines start for the first day of unauthorised absence. Or simply inform the school that your child will be absent for a day, and you know that this will be unauthorised. i don't know of any school where this would not be preferred to a pretend illness (and some schools that i know ring the landline number of the child's home at an appropriate time during the day of 'illness' as a further check if deception is suspected).

[TeenAndTween]

He's only in reception so not even in KS1, let alone being involved in KS1 tests (which can be any time in May).

Be polite. Write and inform the school you are taking him out on the Friday and you realise it will be unauthorised.

[zazzi]

Thanks all - The school says "we have a zero tolerance policy towards term time absence"....?

[Floggingmolly]

Did you really think he'd be doing SAT's?

[zazzi]

I did !

[starry0ne]

Agree with other posters inform the school.

[Mov1ngOn]

You won't get permission but simply write a note saying you will be going on holiday and missing that day.

[melonribena]

Ks1 assessments are taking place throughout May for year 2 children only.

[starry0ne]

They have to say that it will be unauthorised but no real issue with one day..

[kesstrel]

Why wouldn't she think he's doing SATS? After all, we've been hearing all week that our children are "being constantly tested"...which certainly implies that it's happening at least once a year, if not more....