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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel annoyed that dc's school won't let them have time off to do modelling?

145 replies

Lionelvinyl · 03/03/2011 09:36

I asked in advance if we could have some time off in April (2 days) and June (2 days)

I was told that it wouldn't be a problem because I had asked so far in advance/it wasn't for very long/my dc's attendance is very good and they are not behind in any way.

I got a letter today refused the holiday because of the reason for it- I didn't lie about it like most of the other parents do Hmm I was upfront and honest and I wouldn't want to put any pressure on my dc.

In the last term I know children who without any booking have had days off because they've competed in stuff and then been too tired to attend school/been preparing for a holidayHmm/fancied a day off to go shopping/picked up relatives from airports.

I know this has happened it's not just rumour some of these parents and friends of mine and my dc and they've shared this info.

If everybody else was treated the same I wouldn't be so annoyed I just feel like I've been singled out and to make matters worse someone at school has a big mouth because I got a few of the cliquey cronies asking me about modelling/agencies/if I think their children could modelHmmwhich I managed to fob off.

By the way, my dc have done modelling for a while and they've never had to take any time off as it's always been scheduled around term time, this is a one off and something they really want to do- it will be totally different to anything else they've done and I think a brilliant learning experience. (TV)

OP posts:
KnittedBreast · 03/03/2011 09:39

im a bit surprised you even told them. just ring the school on the day and say they have a bad cold, they will know you are lying but theyl have a hard job proving it

Flisspaps · 03/03/2011 09:40

YABU but my view is coloured by the fact that I don't really care much for child modelling.

worraliberty · 03/03/2011 09:41

Your child will have plenty of time to go out to work when their education is finished. School should definitely come first imo.

thefruitwhisperer · 03/03/2011 09:42

The school isnt BU. Their perogative is to educate your child and them being off school to model is counter productive to that.

Bramshott · 03/03/2011 09:43

Well if it's that important to you and your DC, you won't mind taking it as unauthorised absence will you?

Pagwatch · 03/03/2011 09:43

What does the letter actually say?

When we asked for permission to take one day to attend the 6 nations match in Paris last year we received a letter back refusing. But the letter simply means that they are not agreeing to the day, not telling you that you can't take it.

It was a formal stance from the school not an attempt to stop them going.

Fwiw I would never take my children out of school for modelling as it isn't a learning experience in my book. But that is just my opinion.

Original poster
Lionelvinyl · 03/03/2011 09:43

I'm not going to ring and fail illness I don't want to lie and I don't want to get my dc to have to not say anything either.

Far enough if you don't like what they do but I think I am more annoyed that others get the time off to do what they please and we don't??

OP posts:
ShatnersBassoon · 03/03/2011 09:44

YABU. There aren't many schools that would consider paid employment as an acceptable reason to authorise absence.

worraliberty · 03/03/2011 09:44

No-one should have time off to 'do what they please' or where would that leave the school?

Original poster
Lionelvinyl · 03/03/2011 09:45

feign not fail illness.

OP posts:
kreecherlivesupstairs · 03/03/2011 09:45

Oh dear, this isn't going to be pretty.
OP, YABU, my DD has had four days unauthorised absence. I wasn't happy about it but the school is there to teach them.

worraliberty · 03/03/2011 09:46

How old are they just out of interest OP?

BarbaraBar · 03/03/2011 09:46

I think YABU.

However, if it means that much to you then take it as unauthorised and take the flack.

Original poster
Lionelvinyl · 03/03/2011 09:48

Hang on a minute. So it's ok for child A to go to Magaluf with her parents in June for two weeks and child B to go skiiing in a few weeks time out of term time but not ok for mine to take two days off in June too?

How is that fair? That is what I think is unreasonable. It is clearly the reason that they have the problem with.

OP posts:
SenoritaViva · 03/03/2011 09:49

Why would you 'fob off' people who are interested in getting into it if you are so pro it?

You also seem to be applying your values (e.g. modelling is fine to skip school for) but critical of other people's values (e.g. picking up relatives from the airport - as someone with close relatives abroad I know how important that can be). Personally I don't think I would allow DD time off school for either of those but I'm not going to judge others.

The school are doing their job IMO which is trying to educate all the children in the school. If they give an inch people will take a mile.

BarbaraBar · 03/03/2011 09:50

I would never take my kids out of school so have an issue with it generally.

I think you have a point though - it does look like it's the reason they object to.

Original poster
Lionelvinyl · 03/03/2011 09:50

They are 6.

We have never taken time off.

Thank you for your comments.

OP posts:
QuintessentialShadows · 03/03/2011 09:51

The school probably disagrees with child labour.

It is totally different to take a child out for the child to have a great sporting experience, family holiday, or a trip to a fab museum, which actually WOULD be a learning experience. Not work, which most likely just lines the parents pockets and ego.

HSMM · 03/03/2011 09:51

Those children who went on holiday may also have had unauthorised absence and gone anyway.

worraliberty · 03/03/2011 09:51

If they are one of the very few schools left who authorise term time holidays, then you do have a point I suppose. But allowing your children to miss 8 school sessions to go out to work is unreasonable, though no more unreasonable than allowing them the same or more for a holiday.

TobyLerone · 03/03/2011 09:51

Anyone who takes their children out of school during termtime for a non-essential reason (holidays, modelling, sports events etc) is BU.

mummytime · 03/03/2011 09:53

As far as I am aware this is not the correct procedure to apply for time of for modelling, assuming it is the same as asking for time for acting. You need to (or the agency needs to) contact the LEA and get a proper license. This can be refused if it interferes with external examinations and their proper education is not being concerned.
I think you need to check on the law concerning this. (The school cannot just allow a leave of absence.)

onadifferentplanettoday · 03/03/2011 09:53

if your children are doing paid tv work in term time they will need a license from your local authority part of which will be a signed approval form from your schools head teacher.

breatheslowly · 03/03/2011 09:53

When their youthful looks fade they will be glad of the education.

aPixieMomma · 03/03/2011 09:53

Op, YANBU

I don't particularly like child modelling but that's your choice but then I don't like schools either.

If it's one rule for one and another rule for someone else then it isn't fair and should be challenged.