Day off school to see Santa?

[MrsPiddlewink]

We've left it too late again - hearts set on a particular place this year. The only slots they have left are during the last week of term. Would I be unreasonable to give them a day off? They are 8 and 5.

The steam train to Swanage is really lovely. My DS's much preferred it to Longleat.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/detail/santa-specials

go and enjoy . In the great scheme of things 1 day off school to do something memorable with dc at Christmas is special. Ask yourself 'will you regret it when they have grown older ? Of course not !! agree with pp sometimes mn is just full of po faced joyless fuckers ! have fun

Op MN has some of the most poe faced, joyless miserable fuckers on the planet on it, why did you ask! Just do it!

hyperbole, much?

In this country, we have universal, free education. This has a value beyond fucking rubies.

Sure it's only one day. The lights will be pretty. I'm sure they'll have a lovely time and pissing about with glitter is unlikely to compare.

This isn't the point.

The point is that every time you do this sort of thing, you're diminishing the overall idea that taking your education seriously is important. Just a tiny bit. Weeny tiny. Barely noticeable.

And your mates, or randoms on mumsnet, or whoever, are swayed by the idea just a little bit more.

People pick up on the inclination that school doesn't matter that much...it sort of snowballs a bit and then there's handwringing over getting teenagers to at least turn up for their exams, eh?

Not saying the line between going to see Santa, and a life doomed to failure is all that direct, by any means, but still- thin end of the wedge, eh?

Just find something else and make a note to book early next year.

Well said 1Hamwich - I thought I'd heard everything on Mumsnet but this takes the lemon biscuit.

Of course children shouldn't take a day of school to meet 'Santa' .

and santa will not need to have had a DBS check under the changed rules this year

Is this real ? I'm the first to say the rules on children taking time off during term time have gone to far, there is even pressure on you taking time of for hospital appointments FFS, but time of for Santa has to be the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time.

Why not a half day? Morning in school and take out a little early? No marked absence either.

Life is too short - it's one day, go and have fun!!

ok lifes too short,blah blah....shall we ALL go then??

ok lifes too short,blah blah....shall we ALL go then??

yes

The point is that every time you do this sort of thing, you're diminishing the overall idea that taking your education seriously is important. Just a tiny bit. Weeny tiny. Barely noticeable.

No not education just the need to be in school that day compared to the day out. Which will be once in a lifetime.

What does the school tell us when its says " your child is in a competition, from early morning till finish" ....

Or...." your child is being taken to see local production of...."

Well I could have taken my child to see that out of school time, or trips to musuems, my DD has been to 100 times....

ZeVite do you work for longleat?

Honestly, I don't see the problem. It's one day, the children are 5 and 8, how much will they really miss at school? Just go, have fun!

That would be taking the Utter Piss

It's not a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's a once every year, at numerous locations for roughly 6 weeks opportunity. Those Chinese lanterns do sound rather special though

Of course children shouldn't take a day of school to meet 'Santa'

Your making it sound like a make shift hovel somewhere and it will all be over in five minuets.

Its going to be an all day amazing experience with the usual animals as well.

This isnt local garden center just go next year, its a one off.

No its, not Shatners, having it all in once space at longleat is a one off.

No I don't work for them, But I am going to take my children this year and we are taking a day off school.

Going to see Santa is hardly "once in a lifetime" as he may even rack up at the Christmas fair.

ZeVite, I really hope you work at Longleat, or I think you may have invested a little bit too much in your day out, emotionally speaking and financially.

People pick up on the inclination that school doesn't matter that much...it sort of snowballs a bit and then there's handwringing over getting teenagers to at least turn up for their exams, eh?

What a load of tosh.

Reality...

You are highly unlikely to get a fine.
You are highly unlikely to hear anything more from the school after the day itself.
If your child mentions the trip (highly likely) it is likely to be to his/her teacher, TA and/or classmates. It is unlikely any of those will officially report the absence.

It would not count as exceptional circumstances and I can't see any school authorising it officially.

Is it the end of the world or will it cause damage to your child's education if they go? No.

Take them!! and I say that as a teacher.

The last week is full of Christmas activities and parties etc. just tell the school they're unwell do it on a Friday so they don't blab the next day!

Thanks Shatners, we have Tesco vouchers, so our costs are minimal.

I am going and I know it will be wonderful, it saddens me to think some children could miss out coz of you lot.

What about Wookey Hole? I was contemplating a hotel break there where you spend the night in the hotel then have breakfast with 'Santa' the following morning. It also includes access to the caves etc. You can visit santaland on its own for £14pp (still cheaper than Longleat now) and the hotel break starts from £140.

Santaland