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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

64 replies

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.

OP posts:
Kirbert2 · 17/03/2026 18:53

Just be prepared for the fact that if you claim it's an appointment, they may want to see evidence that he has an appointment.

MoonBeamsBright · 17/03/2026 18:53

I'd have absolutely no issue with this in my class. 10/15 minutes would probably be less disruptive than 5, in many ways. Definitely ask.

Rockfordpeach · 17/03/2026 18:52

I did it at Christmas and fibbed a little and said he had an opticians appointment. To be honest the school probably would have been fine regardless but i didnt want to risk it

Original poster
bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:51

@itsmeits I’m so sorry I genuinely don’t understand your second paragraph, (it’s been a long day!) could you explain?

OP posts:
Neveranynamesleft · 17/03/2026 18:50

You are overthinking it. 5 minutes is nothing, they'll be fine.

itsmeits · 17/03/2026 18:49

If you say its for the theatre they may say yes or no. If its for a medical/dentist appointment they will let them go early - a few times I have been asked for proof.

My experience has been if you need to leave at 3.05 get there for 2.50 as the child isn't collected for you to pick them up at 3.05. Someone needs to go and collect them when you arrive. This can take a while depending on how many staff are around in the office.

@bringmethespring If you are worried about DS talking then tell the truth

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.

Pearlstillsinging · 17/03/2026 18:45

Yes, of course.

Original poster
bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:44

WDWY · 17/03/2026 18:44

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

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

OP posts:
Original poster
bringmethespring · 17/03/2026 18:44

I guess I feel that because it’s a fun activity rather than a medical appointment it’s a bit cheeky? Not sure. The school are lovely so can’t imagine it would be much of a problem. One little boy leaves five minutes early as he has autism and can’t manage crowds well so I was thinking of asking if he could leave wit him.

OP posts:
WDWY · 17/03/2026 18:44

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

Meridas · 17/03/2026 18:43

This would be a non event at my DC's school. Pupils leave early for dental appointments and all sorts.

I would just inform the school, rather than ask.

RocketLollyPolly · 17/03/2026 18:42

If it’s a one off I’d say you need to collect early for an appointment.

maysayyea · 17/03/2026 18:42

I have don’t this several time for medical appointments. School have always been ok about it