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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:36

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:35

What's the medical issue that prevents him going on the school trip,but can attend a similar trip with you?

Would need a nurse.

OP posts:
TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:36

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:36

they were not able to attend the school trip, there was nothing organised for them to able to attend.
it was not a choice
they would be the only student in upper years all week.

What's the medical reason

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:36

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:35

Because he was able to attend. Whether his mates were having fun or not.

You chose to take him out of school

So just pay the fine.

they were not able to attend the school trip, there was nothing organised for them to able to attend.
it was not a choice
they would be the only student in upper years all week.

OP posts:
TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:35

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:34

there was no attempt at making it possible for them to attend the school trip
it’s not a choice if there was a choice they would go but on schools defence it is a hard task to make it possible but it’s their fault they can’t go
so allowing them to go somewhere with similar activities as what their school friends are doing.

What's the medical issue that prevents him going on the school trip,but can attend a similar trip with you?

DarkForces · 05/04/2025 22:35

The case law is clear. Courts will enforce the fine. In your circumstances you were right to enjoy a family holiday but fighting the fine will just cost you more time and money, especially if costs are awarded against you

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:35

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:33

Why should I have to pay when they would be doing the exact same activities and won’t have a class for a week ?

it seems very harsh to Send a child to school on their own whilst their class mates are having a ball.

Edited

Because he was able to attend. Whether his mates were having fun or not.

You chose to take him out of school

So just pay the fine.

Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:34

SquirrelRed · 05/04/2025 22:33

You don't really have any ground to stand on though in my opinion. School is open and have made it clear they expect your DC to be in, but you've chosen to go on holiday instead. I'm not sure what grounds you would be appealing the fine on?

there was no attempt at making it possible for them to attend the school trip
it’s not a choice if there was a choice they would go but on schools defence it is a hard task to make it possible but it’s their fault they can’t go
so allowing them to go somewhere with similar activities as what their school friends are doing.

OP posts:
Coastingtohell25 · 05/04/2025 22:33

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:30

Just pay the fine. You won't win. The school was open and he could have attended. You chose not to send him 🤷‍♀️

Why should I have to pay when they would be doing the exact same activities and won’t have a class for a week ?

it seems very harsh to Send a child to school on their own whilst their class mates are having a ball.

OP posts:
SquirrelRed · 05/04/2025 22:33

You don't really have any ground to stand on though in my opinion. School is open and have made it clear they expect your DC to be in, but you've chosen to go on holiday instead. I'm not sure what grounds you would be appealing the fine on?

ToKittyornottoKitty · 05/04/2025 22:33

Yeah it would be unreasonable, just pay the fine

TropicofCapricorn · 05/04/2025 22:30

Just pay the fine. You won't win. The school was open and he could have attended. You chose not to send him 🤷‍♀️