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Original poster

I feel terrible, taken out of school for Lapland UK

305 replies

MummaHud · 02/12/2025 07:15

I’ve taken my daughter out of school today she’s 5 for Lapland UK. We don’t have a lot of money and her brother was born extremely premature last year and she missed out on a lot of things because of it.

she’s the kindest soul, she’s really clever and she’s just amazing.

im not justifying anything as id never take my child out of school, but we won VIP at Lapland UK.

an experience I’d never ever consider looking at usually and its not an experience I can turn down.

my daughter has 100% attendance, I’m worried what the school will do? I’ve been honest and she will be back tomorrow.

am I a bad mum? 😭

OP posts:
Tiswa · 02/12/2025 11:10

@MummaHud why does this bother you to the point it is hanging over your day and you think you are a bad mum

TreeDudette · 02/12/2025 11:09

She's 5?? She will miss nothing of import at age 5. Have fun!

KittyFinlay · 02/12/2025 11:09

It's one day for a 5 yo, the school will do nothing and won't care at all. I say that as someone who is against taking kids out of school for holidays in most circumstances.

When was her birthday?

Wishimaywishimight · 02/12/2025 11:07

Oh come on, you know you're not a "bad mum" for taking a 5 year old out of school for the day so that you can take her on a fab day out!

Some of the faux guilt on MN is a bit annoying at times - posters who know damn well that are not being 'bad' mums for whatever reason but somehow in need of validation from strangers and cries of "awww hun, you are a fab mum, you're doing a great job" etc.🙄

Sartre · 02/12/2025 11:03

Of course you’re not! Enjoy your day with your DC and well done for winning!

mrsskater · 02/12/2025 10:47

Have a great time don't stress. I always told truth when I took my son out of primary school. We did theme park days as it was quieter, and 3 days at Disneyland. All they will do is give and unauthorised absence as long as you don't miss 10 sessions in 10 weeks I think it is there is no fine. Enjoy the day with your little girl and make memories 💕

Member984815 · 02/12/2025 10:43

Have a great time , don't give the school a second thought

hazelnutvanillalatte · 02/12/2025 10:42

Critical thinking is more important than unquestioningly following the rules. It's an essential skill to teach your children as well. Have fun on the day x

ldnmusic87 · 02/12/2025 10:40

Nah, let go of the guilt

HashtagShitShop · 02/12/2025 10:40

It's amazing, my friend works there and the stories she details are heartwarming. Relax and enjoy every second!

Thulpelly · 02/12/2025 10:40

OP, it’s one day of school, please pull yourself together.

luckylavender · 02/12/2025 10:38

I'm quite judgey about people who do this but she's 5 and it's one day. Hell. enjoy it.

replay2025 · 02/12/2025 10:36

Have a fab day!!

CabernetAndCocoMelon · 02/12/2025 10:34

We took them out to do 10 days in the Bahamas and I didn’t feel guilty. It was nearly 4k cheaper than going in the summer holidays.

one day is absolutely fine it’s something special. Enjoy it and make your memories ❤️

netflixfan · 02/12/2025 10:33

Stop stressing! You’re a wonderful mum and you all deserve a treat x the school won’t do anything

McGregor33 · 02/12/2025 10:31

I done the exact same thing 2 years ago and for the exact same reason! Their sister was born extremely premature, very ill and almost didn’t make it multiple times. We were so thankful to have gotten out nicu before Christmas and went all out ❤️

It was great, the kids found it amazing and we got the best photos to look back on xx

Figgygal · 02/12/2025 10:29

It's a day and sounds amazing
Seriously give no further fucks about this and have an amazing time

HeyThereDelila · 02/12/2025 10:23

You’re a great Mum; enjoy your day.

I don’t support taking DC out of school for holidays, but one day near Christmas after a tough year? It’s fine. And well done for being honest with the school.

spiderlight · 02/12/2025 10:22

She's five. It will have no impact on her long-term education and she'll remember it for years. Have a magical day and don't give it a second thought.

NormasArse · 02/12/2025 10:21

Hedgehogbrown · 02/12/2025 07:42

Just lie. Why be honest? Why do you even feel bad? Other countries aren't as strict on this. This is a UK thing.

Edited
Show quote history

Why lie though?

Seelybee · 02/12/2025 10:14

@MummaHud well done on winning the tickets. It's a wonderful experience and it sounds like you all deserve it after tough times. Don't give the day off a second thought. Your DD is 5 and is not going to miss anything vital! The school will probably mark it down as an unauthorised absence but so what tbh? Enjoy it all.

Roaringlions · 02/12/2025 10:10

I wouldn't even think twice about taking my child out.

She will have a fantastic experience, which makes you a brilliant mum in my book. One school day at age 5 won't matter at all.

socool · 02/12/2025 10:09

Presenteeism. It doesn't always equate to good quality work/learning.

loberoncolours · 02/12/2025 10:01

Thechaseison71 · 02/12/2025 09:43

No fine for ONE day. Stop scaremongering

Show quote history

I just checked on the gov website and it says that you need to check with your local council to find out when and if you will be fined.

It then says "If your child is off school 3 or more times within the 3 years you will not be fined but may be taken to court"

So 1 day off a year for 3 years and you go to court?

It really could be clearer. I think the entire page needs to be looked at for clarity.

And I think it should make it clear that some absences (such as funerals) would automatically be considered reasonable and that schools will have a certain amount of discretion in relation to days off for this sort of thing.

Perhaps a petition is needed (if there isn't already one)

Anxietybummer · 02/12/2025 09:52

I wouldn’t hesitate! Enjoy your trip and make some wonderful memories