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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be so upset I’m missing my child’s nativity?

318 replies

charmonachain · 01/12/2024 15:38

Teacher myself … I really wish I’d just called in sick to be honest which I’ll probably be flamed for but I am a tad gutted. Saying so here so I don’t spend tomorrow swearing.

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 01/12/2024 15:54

Can the other parent go? I know it’s not the same but at least your child will have someone cheering for them.

EmotionalSupportPotato · 01/12/2024 15:54

Onthesideofthespiders · 01/12/2024 15:51

Yes, it is.
Everyone is entitled to 6 weeks unpaid parental leave until your child is 18 (or something like that).
But I think it needs to be taken in blocks of one week at a time? I can’t remember.

But, that’s exactly what it’s for. Unpaid leave for anything you want to do with your child.

Show quote history

Right but 1 week unpaid leave is excessive for a nativity plus the school are allowed to say no it's too short notice and give her another week she doesn't even want

FridayFeelingmidweek · 01/12/2024 15:52

charmonachain · 01/12/2024 15:43

Problem is that I DID ask - it will be glaringly obvious now. I am so annoyed, though and feel quite let down although I knew it was likely.

Call in sick and if they ask for the reason /return to work conversation cite diarrhoea. One day, in a galaxy far far away, teachers will be allowed an element of flexibility so they don't miss their own children's precious moments. This is a huge reason why many of my experienced teacher friends have left the profession a few short years after having their own kids.

ByDenimSheep · 01/12/2024 15:51

It sucks. It really does but it’s part of being a teacher. We both teach - we always sent a grandparent it’s the same for your child but it’s not the same for you.
The only thing I ever saw was the year 6 leavers production as it was in the evening and didn’t clash with my school.

Onthesideofthespiders · 01/12/2024 15:51

WhitbyBee · 01/12/2024 15:49

That is not what parental leave is !

Show quote history

Yes, it is.
Everyone is entitled to 6 weeks unpaid parental leave until your child is 18 (or something like that).
But I think it needs to be taken in blocks of one week at a time? I can’t remember.

But, that’s exactly what it’s for. Unpaid leave for anything you want to do with your child.

EmotionalSupportPotato · 01/12/2024 15:51

Personally I'd leave teaching if it's this unflexible

Littlemiracles232504 · 01/12/2024 15:50

This is actually really sad!
I'm sorry your missing this I hope your DCs school can at least document this for you

Happiestathome · 01/12/2024 15:49

It is completely understandable to be gutted. It’s a shame SLT couldn’t/wouldn’t find a way to allow you to be there. Treat yourself to something lovely to cheer yourself up. It’s great working term time as a parent, but rubbish in these moments.

Glasgow1996 · 01/12/2024 15:49

VickyEadieofThigh · 01/12/2024 15:44

And then make an appearance at another school, in front of a shedload of witnesses? Go straight to suspension and possible dismissal for unprofessional conduct.

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Awk behave yourself it’s her child!

WhitbyBee · 01/12/2024 15:49

Zae134 · 01/12/2024 15:48

I'd also take it to governors, you should have a policy that allows you some element of flexibility under parental leave. Or even another way of doing it- we do a cover scheme whereby I can be put on cover for up to 2 hours each year in return for 2 hours back paid.

That is not what parental leave is !

GridlockonMain · 01/12/2024 15:48

YANBU, that’s a shame for you ❤️

Zae134 · 01/12/2024 15:48

I'd also take it to governors, you should have a policy that allows you some element of flexibility under parental leave. Or even another way of doing it- we do a cover scheme whereby I can be put on cover for up to 2 hours each year in return for 2 hours back paid.

SillySeal · 01/12/2024 15:46

Do they not have anyone who could cover you? Or is it because there are lots of teachers in your school in the same boat?

Seems mean. I get teachers can't take holidays in term time but I do think it is harsh they won't let you have a few hours off to watch your own child. I would be annoyed too OP and I'm not a teacher.

Zae134 · 01/12/2024 15:46

Could you ask again and offer to take it unpaid?

VickyEadieofThigh · 01/12/2024 15:44

Glasgow1996 · 01/12/2024 15:43

Phone in sick!!!!!!

And then make an appearance at another school, in front of a shedload of witnesses? Go straight to suspension and possible dismissal for unprofessional conduct.

Original poster
charmonachain · 01/12/2024 15:43

Problem is that I DID ask - it will be glaringly obvious now. I am so annoyed, though and feel quite let down although I knew it was likely.

OP posts:
Glasgow1996 · 01/12/2024 15:43

Phone in sick!!!!!!

LividBaubles · 01/12/2024 15:41

Did you ask and get refused?

Yep. You know what to do next year. Is it too late to get sick?

(and anyone judging you can fuck right off frankly)