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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take DS out of school for this long?

45 replies

NotInGuatemalaNowDrRopata · 18/02/2012 11:41

We are going to France during term time in June for two weeks, so we intended to take DS out for those two weeks. Not too bad, I thought, but I'm also feeling a bit homesick at the moment and would really like to go to NZ to see my family for a couple of weeks. So he's be out for just over four weeks in total.

WIBU to take my DS out of school for this long? He is only in Nursery, so he's not legally required to be there just yet, but I'm worried about getting into trouble with the school. Does it affect their attendance records?

He's learning so much this year and loving school, but at the same time, I miss my mum. She hasn't met my other DS yet (9 months).

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 18/02/2012 11:42

I wouldn't worry about it at nursery level tbh.

LilacWaltz · 18/02/2012 11:42

Well its nursery and not school

WorraLiberty · 18/02/2012 11:44

No it won't affect their attendance records, but you'll have to read their policy incase they off-role your child.

Speak to them and see what they say.

whirlingbetsy · 18/02/2012 11:44

Take him! Some kids don't even go to nursery so what's the issue?

cornflowers · 18/02/2012 11:44

No, that sounds absolutely fine and very sensible to do it now rather than later, when he enters reception.

troisgarcons · 18/02/2012 11:46

At nursery, no it wont affect any records.

TBH all the way through primary school, asian children used to "go home" on extended holidays for anything upto 6 months Hmm and their school place was saved. Mind you this generally diodnt happen after infants, well not for that period of time.

Original poster
NotInGuatemalaNowDrRopata · 18/02/2012 11:48

Thanks everyone. What does "off role" mean? Chuck out?

OP posts:
SunflowersSmile · 18/02/2012 11:50

Oh please don't worry op. As others say- better before official school age. I took my child to visit grandparents overseas when in Reception. It was fine.
Enjoy your time with your family.

Gumby · 18/02/2012 11:51

How old is he? Why did you say school? Did you mean 'preschool'

Original poster
NotInGuatemalaNowDrRopata · 18/02/2012 11:52

He's four and in the Nursery at a primary school.

OP posts:
EDRefugee · 18/02/2012 11:54

Do it now before he's in school! Have fun.

fallenpetal · 18/02/2012 11:54

Most schools have a less than a half term policy before loosing a place (took my son out for 5weeks 3 days with a view to emigrating) so Id check the nurserys policy, but do expect to pay to keep your place. There is no requirement to keep them in nursey in this country.
No harm in taking them around the world at any age IMo its a valuable learning experience - especially if its your native country, its their heritage so to speak.

WorraLiberty · 18/02/2012 11:55

Yes it means they might 'chuck him out'...though I'm sure the school wouldn't use that term Grin

I really can't see that happening though if you give them a clear date for return.

I'm just pointing out that depending on their policy, it's possible they could do....though that would be more likely to happen if you just buggered off without saying a word and that's obviously not the case here.

Southwest · 18/02/2012 11:56

He's not at school

troisgarcons · 18/02/2012 12:02

"off role" means removed from school records. (Usually 56 days from first absence tate of that period, but there are other factors as well).

mummymeister · 18/02/2012 12:09

He will have so much fun with you and your family and will learn so many new things i wouldnt have a problem with this at all. i took my 13 yr old out for 10 days and the school were fine. we get a bit hung up on attendence and forget that whilst the kids are with us they are learning loads of things too.

WorraLiberty · 18/02/2012 12:12

we get a bit hung up on attendence and forget that whilst the kids are with us they are learning loads of things too

Well yes but it's still quite unusual nowadays for a school to allow a 13yr old to miss 20 school sessions without a very good reason.

fallenpetal · 18/02/2012 12:27

I know he isnt at school Southwest but if the nursery is school run they will have the same policy and even an independent provider is likely to follow similar policy if on school site so its best to check

Original poster
NotInGuatemalaNowDrRopata · 18/02/2012 12:37

Mmm yes Fallenpetal, that's what worries me - I would have to complete a request form (same as the one used for the big kids). I know it sounds incredibly wimpy and wet of me, but the Head is TERRIFYING. Several teachers have disappeared since my son started.... I don't know what she's doing with them but it can't be good.

Just wanted to say thanks everyone.

Now I have to get approval from DH. I don't think a form is going to cut it somehow...

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 18/02/2012 12:39

She wouldn't have to pay to keep her place though fallenpetal

In fact it would be illegal if it's a state run school with nursery attached.

fallenpetal · 18/02/2012 12:42

Not her free place worra but anything over the standard hours she would, if she works for example and has more than one session a day. Anything she pays to top up she'll have to expect to keep paying for if she wants it on her return.
,

Littlefish · 18/02/2012 12:42

worra - in our nursery, if a parent is paying for additional hours (above their 15 funded hours per week) and they go away on holiday in term time, then they would still have to pay for their additional sessions during that time away.

WorraLiberty · 18/02/2012 12:45

Oh yes, I forgot about that...sorry Blush

mnistooaddictive · 18/02/2012 12:48

The only thing I would worry about is if he starts school in September then he may miss part or all of the induction process such as visits and meeting teachers.

troisgarcons · 18/02/2012 12:48

Several teachers have disappeared since my son started.... I don't know what she's doing with them but it can't be good.

Under the patio Grin

Seriously though; you are going "home" not on holiday. Preferably this should co-incide with asignificant birthday for a grandparent [wink, wink]