To take DSs out of school for a holiday?

[MagicLlama]

DS1 (9) has been unwell for the last 6 months, nothing any doctor seems to be able to diagnose, (bloods all come back clear), and have left us with the really useless information that he is just run down following a spectacularly rubbish last 3 years. It could apparently be months for him to get back up to normal.

We rarely go on holiday as a family, although the boys have been away with my mum, as we have a number of animals and so finding anyone to look after them becomes pretty impossible, especially as some are rescue so cant just have anyone looking after them.

I have the opportunity to take both DSs on holiday the week before half term, and my brother is able (for the first time ever) to watch the animals, and my aunt will give us the caravan for free as its a time share that she cant use.

However DS1 has already been off a lot this half term due to illness, so I suspect my request for leave will be denied.

WIBU to just go anyway (will sort of happily pay the fine) and ignore the fact that's its not authorised?

This is just the sort of case where HTs should be able to use their discretion, but can't anymore. I suspect you're right, and the request will be denied, even if the HT thinks you have a good reason.

In your position, with all the planets aligned, as it were, I would go ahead and have your much needed holiday. Put all the detail in your request that you have put in your post - DS1 run down (is there any chance DS1s doctor could endorse a holiday?), free caravan, animals looked after etc. just so that your justification is down in black and white, and go and have a great time. The break will do you all good.

Whatever you do, though, don't go away and then stress about having done it. Sometimes I think you have to look at the bigger picture, rather than getting tied up in bureaucratic red tape. DS1's health will probably benefit hugely from a break, and may mean he has less time off next term, and I'm sure DS2s education won't suffer from 1 week off.