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Original poster

Would you pay this school fine or risk it at court

311 replies

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:29

I know there is a lot of opinions on talking the kids out of school for holidays but I will not drip feed and I feel like I shouldn’t have to pay the fine.

We were informed that this year the school were not allowed to make allowances and everyone’s holiday request would be declined and it’s not their fault ( okay so I get this )

however the situation is as followed

DC class are away on residential mon -Friday to a sort of PGL like place. DC can’t attend for medical reasons and to be honest there was no real attempt to make it possible for them to attend.
parents were informed that if not attended they would be expected to be at school but DC is the only one not going. So we have booked a similar type holiday as a family at a well known family holiday park that dc enjoys which was very cheap due to not being in the holidays.

this will lead to a fine and I begrudge paying it to to be honest. Would I be unreasonable to stand my ground on this one ?

OP posts:
LikeSeriously · 05/04/2025 22:44

It’s a hill I would be absolutely be prepared to die on. Stand your ground and go to court if required. I am so thankful they don’t have this ridiculous system in Northern Ireland. Educational outcomes with our system are good for GCSE - Students in Northern Ireland achieved the highest proportion of top grades in the UK, with 37% of entries given an A or A*.

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:44

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:42

You say "we booked" so presumably there's another adult in the house? Why couldn't one of you stay at home with the other kids and carry on, and the other go on the trip?

Also... Where was the 1 to 1 the week of the trip?

The 1-1 won’t be at the trip at all and if DC is not in school they won’t be at work ( agency )

OP posts:
TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:44

Ok, so he can't attend the trip.

The point remains,you still took him out of school, and this won't be a winner in court.

Just pay the fine.

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:43

I say we but it’s a friend, I’m a single mum.

OP posts:
TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:42

You say "we booked" so presumably there's another adult in the house? Why couldn't one of you stay at home with the other kids and carry on, and the other go on the trip?

Also... Where was the 1 to 1 the week of the trip?

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:42

BigRenoLittleBudget · 05/04/2025 22:42

Well presumably he doesn’t normally sleep at school so he probably needs overnight care but in the day is able to be away from home without nursing care

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thank you for being logical. 6 hours a day is very different to 24 hours for 5 days.

OP posts:
Chariots77 · 05/04/2025 22:42

Ah, that's crap for your son, OP. In your shoes, I'd just call him in sick that week. Go and have a lovely time!

BigRenoLittleBudget · 05/04/2025 22:42

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:39

So what happens when he's at school?

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Well presumably he doesn’t normally sleep at school so he probably needs overnight care but in the day is able to be away from home without nursing care

44PumpLane · 05/04/2025 22:41

For any sensible human being, what you're doing is absolutely the right thing, however the LEA will fine you and you should pay the fine as I doubt you'd win an appeal.

The other option is to not say anything but have your child off sick for a week- but the risk there is that they may someone to the house to check you're available for school (although you could have been visiting a friend/relative 2 hours away from home when your child was taken ill with severe d&v meaning you couldn't travel back home and maybe the d&v then subsided on Weds but now the family driver has it and can't drive you home so you're having to stay with your friend/relative which is fine as your child wouldn't be able to come back to school that week anyway due to the 48 hour rule.

I mean it's a ridiculous lie but it's a ridiculous situation to be put in!

Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 05/04/2025 22:41

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:38

It would have required CCG funding and separate insurance.

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But they still have a duty under the equality act. I would be pushing them hard on that angle and then offer the option of you doing your own holiday as a get out for the school in return for no fine. Or just go for 4.5 days. Register on Monday morning then take them out for an appointment.

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:40

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:39

So what happens when he's at school?

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Has a trained 1-1 but 1. They can’t do the night cares.
2 . no one would pay

OP posts:
UrinalCake · 05/04/2025 22:39

It is very harsh, it's a shit system and often penalises DC with health issues or SEN. Deserves total scorn.

But pay anyway. You won't win.

Kevintheelf80 · 05/04/2025 22:39

He will also not miss out on any learning as the rest of his class won't be there!

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:39

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:39

I would need to stay at all times, have other young children who were not allowed to attend.

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So what happens when he's at school?

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:39

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:38

So why couldn't you go with him? Did you ask to be allowed to stay near by and do whatever it was that was needed?
Presumably you didn't take a nurse to wherever you went on holiday?

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I would need to stay at all times, have other young children who were not allowed to attend.

OP posts:
Ughouchargh · 05/04/2025 22:38

YANBU. I find it bizarre that education authorities in England can do this. It is not a "thing" in Scotland to be fined and everyone copes. When we took our kids out of school for a family celebration the sole conversation involved me phoning the school office and being told "have a lovely time".

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:38

Kevintheelf80 · 05/04/2025 22:37

In my opinion, the school should be making every effort to include your child. If his medical issues are classed as a disability then this is discrimination which is illegal under the equality act.
Either way I would absolutely take him on a holiday yourself at the same time and I very much doubt the school would impose a fine. They do have some discretion!

The child was unauthorised absent for the bays if the trip. It's not up to them.

Original poster
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:38

Sealanes · 05/04/2025 22:37

Why did you not meet with the school to discuss what they could do to facilitate your DC going on the trip?

It would have required CCG funding and separate insurance.

OP posts:
TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:38

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:36

Would need a nurse.

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So why couldn't you go with him? Did you ask to be allowed to stay near by and do whatever it was that was needed?
Presumably you didn't take a nurse to wherever you went on holiday?

ToKittyornottoKitty · 05/04/2025 22:37

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:36

Would need a nurse.

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If you’ve arranged a nurse to go with you can’t you arrange a nurse to go with school?

Kevintheelf80 · 05/04/2025 22:37

In my opinion, the school should be making every effort to include your child. If his medical issues are classed as a disability then this is discrimination which is illegal under the equality act.
Either way I would absolutely take him on a holiday yourself at the same time and I very much doubt the school would impose a fine. They do have some discretion!

lazyarse123 · 05/04/2025 22:37

If your child hasn't had any unauthorised absences this year I think they are allowed 5 days until the fines kick in. Best to check though. Although it does seem very unfair to expect him to go to school without any of his peers.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 05/04/2025 22:37

The rest of the class will be attending an Approved Education Activity - an Educational Visit - which is legally classed as attending school.

You're going on holiday. Which isn't.

Sealanes · 05/04/2025 22:37

Why did you not meet with the school to discuss what they could do to facilitate your DC going on the trip?

Labraradabrador · 05/04/2025 22:37

I totally understand your rationale, but as far as fines go I don’t think you would get any consideration in court. I have a child with extra needs, and sometimes you have to pay more for the accessible option - not fair, but it is what it is.