For those keeping their kids off school next week

[Baklavanlava]

Are you being honest with the school and asking for an authorised absence or just phoning in sick? Nearly every year at DC's school has now been told to self isolate. They have 3 days left and we are due to go on holiday in the UK the week after term breaks up. I am really really dreading getting a call telling us to isolate and think DC would be gutted to miss their holiday after what's already been a weird year for everyone.

My DC is in reception, on track with learning, and I will homeschool happily for the few days missed, though it looks like not too much is happening on those days anyway. They're beyond compulsory school age, but are schools fining for unauthorised absences at the moment? I'm a rule follower so really really feel awful about taking DC out of school, but I do think it's the best option at the moment.

Ordinarily I would say do not do it but after this extraordinary year, and the current situation with lots of year groups isolating already, I would be honest with school and say that you just don't want to take the risk. I think they'll be understanding.

However, I wouldn't be expecting school to provide home learning materials. At this time of year, it's winding down and a lot of play activities in Reception. Making a teacher provide home learning because you've decided not to send your child in would be really unfair, in my opinion.

Thanks @CrazylazyJane. I agree with you about the home learning materials - the school have been putting them up on their website a week in advance so next weeks learning is already on the website fortunately. I wouldn't want to give the teachers any extra work at this point, I think everyone needs a holiday, including them.

I haven't quite decided but I'm leaning towards saying we're isolating. The kids don't want to miss the last week though so struggling to decide what to do.

My DC got sent home today to self isolate so no do not send her in if you have a holiday booked

Just be honest. You say reception - if they only turned 5 this term they don’t need to actually be in. Either way just say why.

Be honest though and do not lie and say she's ill for obvious reasons

Ah. Reread and see they are compulsory school age. Attention to detail! Sorry. But I’d still keep them off and say why.

Not quite in the same vein, but after a recent holiday and expecting a fine both schools decided not to fine for for "unauthorised absence".

They are keyworker kids which may have made an impact (they have been in school the entire time) but it may apply to everyone given the current situation.

Judging by the amount of school age children at our local beach today ( in an area where schools don't break up until end of next week) then you would not be alone and your child very unlikely to fall behind.

I'm considering it. Totally not something I'd usually do. I've had my DC's isolating one after the other so it's been a long slog. I don't think I can face a further ten days, for the sake of DS going back to school for 2.5 days next week. He's happy to stay at home! DD I'm not so sure, she will still have a full week left and I know she will want to go in.

I'm just a bit worried that school will fine us if we're honest about the absence. I guess it's impossible to know until we phone them though as I'm not sure how strict they are about it.

I thought they all finished last week, more kids about than adults, round here.

@Baklavanlava

I'm just a bit worried that school will fine us if we're honest about the absence. I guess it's impossible to know until we phone them though as I'm not sure how strict they are about it.

In which case just say she has tummy pain which is more generic and not a covid symptom