Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Half a day off school?

18 replies

CreativeBee · 08/12/2016 18:36

My mum has booked tickets for my 10 year old daughter to see a play at the theatre. The problem is that she's booked it on a school day for a show a 2.15pm which would mean my daughter would need half a day off school. My mother assumed that she would get the half day off (daughter is at a SEN school and as bad as it sounds DM thought it was easier to get DD out a little earlier Hmm). Anyways, DD now knows and is adamant she wants to go but I'm left with the dilemma of what to say to school. WWYD? I don't want DD to miss out because we wouldn't have been able to take her due to the cost of the tickets but I don't know how to tell school either. Please advise.

OP posts:
2014newme · 08/12/2016 18:38

Tell school the truth.
Go to the theatre
No issues

Sirzy · 08/12/2016 18:39

I would just tell school she is going to see a show so won't be in that day.

Ds is autistic and we are going to a special relaxed showing of Chitty Chitty - he hasn't finished school by then so I spoke to them and explained and they were happy for him to miss half a day.

Karley123 · 08/12/2016 18:39

I work in an SEN school and things like this always get signed off and allowed coz we think its a great learning opportunity for the children, teached them social skills etc. id just be honest with the school and see what they say

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

10 year olds Families General education
PrettySophisticated · 08/12/2016 18:39

Of you think she should go, then she goes,if you don't then you have to tell your mum.

It really isn't the school's decision. It would almost certainly be unauthorised but there's nothing they can actually do about it.

Original poster
CreativeBee · 08/12/2016 18:40

How would I word this in a letter, I'm terrible at writing letters never mind requesting something I know that might be frowned on.

OP posts:
Peppapogstillonaloop · 08/12/2016 18:42

Relax..just write them a note saying DD will be leaving school at 12pm or whatever as we are taking her to the theatre. Kind regards...

2014newme · 08/12/2016 18:43

What Peppa said

Artandco · 08/12/2016 18:46

JUst go. I would just say x will be collected on x date at 12.30 by her grandmother as they have a theatre show booked.

It's school, not a prison

CountTessa · 08/12/2016 18:47

I'm sure your school will be very supportive. Tell the truth and go and enjoy x

MissJSays · 08/12/2016 18:51

Remember she is your child!! Just write a note or speak to the teacher and say you will be picking her up at whatever time because she is going to the theatre. They shouldn't have any problems with it as long as her attendance is usually ok x

Original poster
CreativeBee · 08/12/2016 19:07

Thank you so much!! I was really worried about (I suffer from anxiety) and my anxiety was just about hitting the roof. I know it sounds silly but I really do worry about everything. Thank you again Smile

OP posts:
SuburbanRhonda · 08/12/2016 19:12

Don't you just have to fill in a request for absence form?

Then it either gets authorised or not, but if you want her to go you take her out anyway.

Lisa282820 · 11/12/2016 14:11

At our school we would either log a half day as an unauthorised half day leave or log the trip down as an educational off site visit focused on arts and drama. I would request that they log the trip down as the latter. X
I teach and if my children had otherwise excellent attendance then I would not let the ticket go to waste.

Starlight2345 · 11/12/2016 14:17

I would just write and inform too..She isn't going to miss anything 1/2 day of school just before Christmas...

I wouldn't ask for it to be authorised.. They don't fine for 1/2 day

youarenotkiddingme · 11/12/2016 14:18

I assume the register is completed at 1pm time?

Anyway your DD can be collected after that? Just say to school her grandmother will collect DD for a trip to the theatre.

I work in an SS school and we have this who can cope going to theatre or cinema this week and those who can't have a visiting panto.

I don't see how this is any different TBH!

NicknameUsed · 11/12/2016 14:46

Whenever I need to collect DD from school during the school day for a hospital appointment I just email the school and say that I will be collecting DD at such and such a time for a hospital appointment.

I would just email and say something along the lines of:

Good morning

My daughter (insert name) will be collected at (insert time) today by (insert name) for a trip to the theatre.

Your name

Don't ask, just tell them

OSETmum · 11/12/2016 15:07

Honestly, it'll be fine. I work in a school and children are occasionally collected early for holidays, shows etc. Two children were collected early to go to a Little Mix concert!

If you can collect her after the 1pm registration, it won't even go down as an absence!

SuburbanRhonda · 11/12/2016 15:12

I would request that they log the trip down as the latter.

At our school it's the head teacher, not the parents, who decides how to code an absence from school due to attending the theatre or similar.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread