School Absence fines question

[Chipshopninja]

Inspired by another thread

My son is going to miss school because going away for a long weekend next year.

He will miss 4 days of school.

I have read the guidance as 10 sessions =5 full days of school however he has had 2 days sick since September. I don't know if that counts towards the 10 sessions

Will we get a fine?

No option to go in holiday time as it's not us that are taking him. It's then or never

To clarify if we get a fine I am OK with that as he has never been abroad for various reasons and this is a bit of a once in a lifetime thing but I just want to be prepared

Also, do you have to tell the school in advance? We know it won't be authorised so do you just report absence as normal like you would eith sick or are you legally obligated to give the school notice of the absence?

Before anyone suggests it school website is zero help

Be up front and honest. Put your request in, it will be denied. Process will be followed. Dependent on other non authorised leave in the year you may be fined by your county council.

But does sick leave count as unauthorised absence? That's the bit that's confusing me

Also even if so some guidance I've seen suggests it's 10 sessions in a row in which case no fine.

It’s ten sessions in a row. Sickness absence will count as authorised. You should be fine.

I think you need to explain how it's a once in a lifetime chance and why eg
The relatives are only in Australia for these dates
The sports game that's being paid for him to attend is only on then and it will jnspire him in his PE
The wedding/bday party is planned for these dates