Asking school if my 5-year-old can leave five minutes early

Joystir59 · 18/03/2026 17:32

mazedasamarchhare · 17/03/2026 18:48

I can’t see it being an issue, and theatre is educational. The registration has been done, so it’s not as if it will have any impact on the school attendance data. But I’d go for fifteen minutes earlier.

I'd go for at least 15 mins earlier too. Remember if you are late for the theatre they won't let you in.

BauhausOfEliott · 18/03/2026 16:47

bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:44

I can’t stop ds talking the next day though!

Show quote history

They're not going to know that he went to the theatre straight from school. They'd assume he had his appointment and then went to the theatre afterwards - and that's if they even notice at all.

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 16:39

JustGiveMeReason · 18/03/2026 16:35

...and there you go again.

I do agree it is senseless to keep replying, but it is a thread I started. I’m not sure why you need to keep contributing to inform me that I’m overthinking, repeatedly. I asked a question that was answered literally hours ago.

OP posts:

JustGiveMeReason · 18/03/2026 16:35

...and there you go again.

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 15:36

Could you please point me to where I said ‘this is a very big issue’?

I don’t think I did. Did I?

So perhaps you are the one overthinking

OP posts:

JustGiveMeReason · 18/03/2026 15:26

Nobody is being rude.

People are telling you this is just not a big issue, and that it will be much easier if you take him out 20mins before the end of school rather than 5mins.

You are completely over reacting here.

splagne · 18/03/2026 15:10

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 07:32

I’m asking a question, not overthinking anything. I honestly don’t know why some people have to be so rude in their replies.

I really don't think people are trying to be rude, just reassure you. It's just the phrasing - they mean it's not a big deal, don't give it too much thought.

Fiddlesticks1 · 18/03/2026 09:30

bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:40

I’ve booked theatre tickets for ds(5) on Thursday. The show starts at 4 so after school but like a lot of primary schools there tends to be a lot of traffic and it can take a while to get out.

I am wondering if it would be reasonable to ask if he can leave five minutes early to miss the traffic. Or would this be too disruptive for the other children in the class? I’m going to ask tomorrow if the consensus on here is that it’s OK so need to know now.

I expect the school will think it is great you are taking him to the theatre.

SingleSexSpacesInSchools · 18/03/2026 09:02

bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:40

I’ve booked theatre tickets for ds(5) on Thursday. The show starts at 4 so after school but like a lot of primary schools there tends to be a lot of traffic and it can take a while to get out.

I am wondering if it would be reasonable to ask if he can leave five minutes early to miss the traffic. Or would this be too disruptive for the other children in the class? I’m going to ask tomorrow if the consensus on here is that it’s OK so need to know now.

Don’t ask, tell.

he is your son and you get to choose entirely what he does and when. The school are not a prison.

you arrive. You take your son. You don’t disrupt the school.

ThatDenimSeal · 18/03/2026 08:54

We’ve picked our daughter up early a few times on a Friday to travel somewhere for the weekend. My experience is as long as it’s after second register (around 1:30pm) they don’t mind as it doesn’t affect attendance! I was worried the first time but as others have said they haven’t minded at all.

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 07:39

It hadn’t occurred to me to lie.

I wasn’t sure whether it was an acceptable request or not (DS is in reception and has not had any time off) - it seems it is. Great 👍🏻

No overthinking here

I don’t think there’s really any more to be said.

OP posts:

12345mummy · 18/03/2026 07:37

I find honesty is the best policy. Otherwise you’re teaching your child it’s okay to bend the truth and I find school staff respect you more for being honest. That way he and his teachers can openly talk about it the next day. Enjoy your show OP x

CelticSilver · 18/03/2026 07:36

This is 300 seconds of your life. You're overthinking. Have a lovely time.

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 07:32

I’m asking a question, not overthinking anything. I honestly don’t know why some people have to be so rude in their replies.

OP posts:

travelallthetime · 18/03/2026 07:31

bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 20:17

Reception is literally next to the classroom; it’s a tiny school, only three classrooms and none are more than a few seconds away from reception, so not worried about that. I just don’t want to cause any disruption for the teachers.

You’re massively overthinking this, just go early and tell them he needs to leave early for an appointment, job done

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 07:30

Sirzy · 18/03/2026 07:28

People where commenting on those making out you needed to lie rather than your plan.

I get that but this really don't lie. You are overthinking it. Why would you lie was addressed to me, regardless of intent behind it!

OP posts:

Sirzy · 18/03/2026 07:28

People where commenting on those making out you needed to lie rather than your plan.

Original poster

bringmethespring · 18/03/2026 07:28

It is mildly exasperating being berated for lying when I haven’t suggested I would. I was just wondering if this was an acceptable request and wouldn’t make life difficult for the teacher; it seems not so I’ll ask / tell today

OP posts:

StillAGoth · 18/03/2026 07:27

WDWY · 17/03/2026 18:44

Defo do it but keep it vague, I.e. appointment. Don't say theatre

Why?

StillAGoth · 18/03/2026 07:25

BeanQuisine · 18/03/2026 06:56

It's a school, not the Gestapo. Don't ask, just inform them that he'll be leaving early on that day.

And this.

You: "Hi, just letting you know, I'll be picking Billy up 15/20mins earlier on X day. I'm taking him to the theatre after school and want to avoid the school traffic so were not late."

Teacher: "No problem! Let the office know and I'll have him ready. I hope you both enjoy it!"

Is pretty much exactly how the conversation will go!

The teacher will understand the need to avoid a last minute stressed journey etc as much as you!

TeenToTwenties · 18/03/2026 07:24

Once they are present for the registers the school honestly won't care much.
I'd ask for 30minutes early though, you don't want to rush.

ChilliPaprikaGarlic · 18/03/2026 07:22

Sorry, he, not she. And yes, agree with PP that 15 mins early would actually be easier than 5 mins in terms of end of the day logistics. Enjoy the theatre!

Sirzy · 18/03/2026 07:21

Please don’t ask him to lie, we love children sharing the fun things they have been doing with us.

ChilliPaprikaGarlic · 18/03/2026 07:20

If she’s there for the afternoon registration, it won’t affect attendance for the school so they’ll be fine with her leaving early. And definitely tell the truth about where you’re going!

StillAGoth · 18/03/2026 07:20

OP, I'm a teacher and I wouldn't have a problem with this. Nor would my school.

Actually, though, I'd also state a 15/20 min earlier pick up. The end of day routine, especially for 5 year olds, is a bit manic. And 5 mins can disappear very quickly. It would actually be less disruptive, less stressful and easier to get one child ready to dismiss 15 mins earlier than 5 mins due to the way end of day routines run.

The children will start getting ready about 15 mins before dismissal time anyway so he'd likely get lost in the crowd! Children are sent to get their hometime things in batches. If you pick him up before that starts, it'll be easier for everyone. Trust me!