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AIBU?

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School refused to release my child until after parents’ meeting – is this allowed?

332 replies

Sofia14 · 15/09/2025 16:19

Today, I went to collect my child from his primary school (London), but was told I couldn’t take him until after a parents’ meeting. The children were kept waiting in the hall for about 20 minutes.
The school only emailed about the meeting at 10.30am for 3.15pm. The message didn’t say it was compulsory or that kids wouldn’t be released. Staff were abrupt and didn’t apologise. I was unwell and really needed to get home. In the end, the meeting wasn’t urgent at all; it was about who the teachers are, what uniform to wear, and reminders about being polite/etiquette. All of this could easily have been sent by email.

AIBU to think the school had no right to keep my child like this?

OP posts:
BusWankers · 15/09/2025 16:26

They would have definitely told you about the information meeting before 10:30 this morning

BusWankers · 15/09/2025 16:26

20 minutes after school day? Or were you trying to collect 20 minutes early?

TheCurious0range · 15/09/2025 16:25

Why didn't you just say, I'm sorry I can't stay today I'll need to collect Johnny now

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 15/09/2025 16:24

What about the children who were being collected by non parents with other commitments eg childminders or after school clubs? Or if the parents had commitments to get back for? This sounds like you could have just said no and taken your child home tbh?

FuzzyWolf · 15/09/2025 16:24

Did you explain the situation and make it clear that you weren’t well?

It’s normal for school meetings like this one at the start of term.

Just2 · 15/09/2025 16:22

Yes it is allowed
Yes it has happened
Yes I am guessing you already have a somewhat fraught relationship with the school
so 🤐 and stop stewing

Noelshighflyingturds · 15/09/2025 16:21

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