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AIBU?

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Original poster

Can I be fined - has anyone actually been fined?

221 replies

Weathergames · 27/05/2014 20:51

Hi, I want to take my 3 kids away in July - meaning they would miss the last 3 days of term when all they do is watch films DS1 will have left by then anyway.

Can the school actually fine me? Has anyone been fined for taking their kids out for a few days (kids have 100% attendance).

I work for the LA (not the same as where kids are at school) in attendance and I know the LA I work for would not spend money prosecuting me for 3 days absence.

OP posts:
Lilaclily · 27/05/2014 20:53

It's a myth that they watch films for 3 days at the end of term you know ?

Icimoi · 27/05/2014 20:54

Yes, you can be fined; yes, people have been fined for doing what you plan to do.

TooTiredToBeCreative · 27/05/2014 20:55

I think it varies by LA. In many they will only fine when 5 days are missed.

Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 20:56

Really? It's not a myth go r my kids or the secondary schools I visit through work!

OP posts:
Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 20:56

For my kids sorry ...

OP posts:
OddBoots · 27/05/2014 20:58

Yes, people have been fined, expect to be fined and then it's a nice surprise if you're not.

cantbelievethisishppening · 27/05/2014 20:58

Oh, another 'they just watch films' justification.
Yes, schools issue fines. Per child, per day per parent.

londonrach · 27/05/2014 20:59

You do get fined. Watching films...I wish we done that when I was at school

GiveTwoSheets · 27/05/2014 21:00

I'm not sure but you say that your DS1 would of left then but if it anything like when my DD left they had to go back in the last few days to 'sign off'

Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 21:00

Hmm that's what I was thinking I could save £200 but then get fined £120 a day :S.

We have kids who have been out of school for months and the parents haven't yet been fined as there are certain things the school need to prove they have done before we will prosecute.

OP posts:
Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 21:02

I wasn't trying to justify myself or asking opinions - my kids have 100% attendance and get good grades and are doing well.

I want to take them away for a week I am a single mum on a tight budget.

OP posts:
cantbelievethisishppening · 27/05/2014 21:02

We have kids who have been out of school for months and the parents haven't yet been fined as there are certain things the school need to prove they have done before we will prosecute.

Then why are you asking on here then?

Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 21:04

Because it's a different LA as I stated in my OP.

No one yet here has actually said they have personally been fined.

OP posts:
adoptmama · 27/05/2014 21:05

we don't watch films for the last 3 days, and never have in any of the schools I have worked in....

we do occasionally save up a curriculum related film or documentary to watch on the last lesson

we do go over reports, end of year tests, give work back, collect text books in, have some fun activities like quizzes etc....

I'd say take your kids out - then you'll know for sure whether or not you'll get fined which will help you plan your term time holidays effectively next year too.

cantbelievethisishppening · 27/05/2014 21:07

Just a thought really but if you can't afford to go on holiday then perhaps you shouldn't be going on holiday.

chesterberry · 27/05/2014 21:07

My understanding is that you aren't fined for the first 5 unauthorised absences but will be fined for any additional (so from day 6+). It may vary from LA to LA though.

The school can also authorise absences for holidays etc at their discretion if they think the reason for taking them out in school time is reasonable so it is worth speaking to the school to find out how you put in your request for holiday. It may not be granted but it's worth finding out first.

TheScience · 27/05/2014 21:08

I think the fine is per absence not per day - so £60 per parent per child, but not per day.

I also don't think they fine for less than 5 days.

Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 21:09

That's rubbish I have been in school and kids have been watching films which are NOT on the curriculum.

I remember spending the last days of term cleaning the classroom and picking chewing gum off the desks.

I am taking my children who have 100% attendance away at the end of term.

I am not going to murder someone Confused.

Still no one who has actual first hand experience of being fined.

OP posts:
GiveTwoSheets · 27/05/2014 21:09

weathergames there is nothing stopping you phoning up saying your kids have D&V Wink

Original poster
Weathergames · 27/05/2014 21:10

That's rubbish I have been in school and kids have been watching films which are NOT on the curriculum.

I remember spending the last days of term cleaning the classroom and picking chewing gum off the desks.

I am taking my children who have 100% attendance away at the end of term.

I am not going to murder someone Confused.

Still no one who has actual first hand experience of being fined.

OP posts:
cantbelievethisishppening · 27/05/2014 21:10

science. Yep, my bad. You are right. It's per child per parent.

adoptmama · 27/05/2014 21:11

well obviously your children won't actually have 100% attendance will they....

chesterberry · 27/05/2014 21:11

Also I'm surprised at all these schools which don't watch films or do other fun/ non-educational things on the last few days of term before the summer holidays. Usually the schools in my LA seem to break up on a Tuesday/Wednesday before the summer holidays, at the school where I teach we carry on as normal up to the Friday but then on the Mon/Tues/Weds the days are usually filled with games, films and then special prize-giving and leavers etc assemblies.

rideyourbike · 27/05/2014 21:11

I don't understand people who aren't offended by the fines. I'm just a mum who loves showing my kids new experiences, and the odd extra trip away is part of that. I hate being dictated to about when I can go when there are kids out there with terrible attendance and under achieving! I don't want to argue with anyone I just don't get why you would agree with Mr Gove!

OddBoots · 27/05/2014 21:11

You could put in a FoI request to the LA if you want to know if they have issued any fines.