School rules!

[BooBoo68]

Hi all, I'm new to Mumsnet.
I'm in Outer London. My elderly, widowed, MIL who lives alone in a remote part of Ireland is having a hip replacement today, expected discharge being 5-10 days, but she cannot go home if she'll be alone. There are 2 SIL's, one is over an hour's drive from her, the other has such terribly crippling back problems, there's NO WAY she'd be able to care for her Mum at home on discharge. They each also have young children who need to be at home to attend school. I have offered to go over there next Friday, 23rd, so that I can be there for her to be discharged home. MIL, OH & SIL's all agree this is the best plan. The alternative is for her to go into a nursing home for at least a week.
My children are on half-term 26th-30th May. My high schooler is going on a school trip on 23rd, but I would have to take the younger one with me to Ireland. I have asked the primary school for ONE "Leave of absence" day to be granted next Friday (23rd), so that I can travel over & be there for her to be discharged.
The Headteacher has REFUSED to grant this request. I fully understand the need for this "Leave of absence" rule is to ensure families do not take kids out of school ad-lib. My children have been at local schools for a total of 14 years so far & both have attendance records of over 97/98%. We've never til now requested such leave of absence, nor taken them out of school unnecessarily for holidays etc. I am beyond upset with Head's decision!
It's a faith school & they teach family & Christian values....yet seem to be utterly heartless with this decision.
I hate being deceptive, but it's so tempting to just call my child in as sick on the day & travel regardless. My OH is suggesting we do this & just take whatever consequences ensue, fines etc. Am I being unreasonable to agree with him & just do it? Does anyone have knowledge of what the penalties might be?

Is MIL particularly elderly or suffering other health issues? I would be surprised if they kept her in for more than 4 days if there are no other issues to be honest. With hip replacements the patient is encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible and is usually sent home when they can manage stairs in my experience.

Having said that, i would inform the school that DS won't be there. I doubt very much that they would do anything with one day's absence if an otherwise good attendance record. Even if they do fine you, it has no consequences for DS or yourself (unless you refuse to pay it!).

My DCs HT has just granted a day off to attend DD1's wedding! While I would hate for them to miss it was never going to happen I do not see this as being as important as your request!

Go and talk to the HT!

^ What Goldmandra said. ^

Or if it works out cheaper, would it be possible to hire a nurse/carer to stay with her for the day? Not ideal and she'd be moe comfortable with people she knows and loves but it might solve the problem.

Also, I have a feeling that you don't get the criminal endorsements unless you don't pay the fine and it goes to court? But I could be wrong....

Just go. Family first. One day will make no difference to his education.