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Original poster

School asking for appointment proof11

32 replies

Tiredallthetimeneedsleep · 02/10/2024 16:19

Ds ( 11) has had about 4 days off from school in two years sick. In September I had to collect him at 1 due to my dentist appointment ( quite a distance away and, because of the intense work needed , I would be able to get back til after 6, leaving them alone in the house for 2.5 hours), 1 tomorrow to visit a possible new high school then 1 next week for a consultant ASD assessment. ( We've been waiting two years for this). They are asking for proof. I didn't have proof of my dentist appointment, I don't have proof of the school visit and I haven't received a hospital appointment letter yet as they rang me and booked it on the phone. Do I have to prove why I'm taking my child out of school for half a day? Like I said it can't be because of poor attendance.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tiredallthetimeneedsleep · 02/10/2024 17:10

Ds has sensory needs so no other childcare would be suitable/ was possible. Also, a private appointment was booked to look around the high school because of his needs to reduce sensory overload.
Presumably, I'll receive a hospital letter for the appointment next week.

OP posts:
Dishwashersaurous · 02/10/2024 16:34

And agree with the others wouldn't expect them to authorise a child absence foe your medical appointment

Soubriquet · 02/10/2024 16:33

I just asked at the reception of the dentist if I could have proof of the appointment for school, and they happily printed off a piece of paper with the times

Dishwashersaurous · 02/10/2024 16:33

Yes otherwise it's unauthorised absence.

Do you not have an email confirmation for any of them?

Unusual to have an open morning during school time, are you sure children are expected to attend?

Octavia64 · 02/10/2024 16:24

Visiting a possible new high school is usually done out if school time - most schools run open evenings or an open Saturday Morning.

That's not a medical or illness absence.

Presumably it was a private tour? In which case do you have emails saying you were coming?

Your dentist appointment is unlikely to be authorised as he didn't need to be out of school for that - you could have arranged after school club or a relative or another person to pick him up up.

Singleandproud · 02/10/2024 16:23

Do you have no proof at all? A text message appointment reminder? The advert of the school open day or a copy of the email booking on to it?

If you don't provide proof then it is unauthorised.

Previous attendance doesn't come into it, it's is normal to provide proof and you'll be on sketchy ground with an appointment for you as they would expect you to make other childcare arrangements

TwinklyAmberOrca · 02/10/2024 16:20

Yes.
Otherwise it's unauthorised absence.

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