AIBU to keep DD off school for PGL week?

[cingolimama]

Genuine AIBU here and would appreciate any advice from any parents who may have been in a similar position.

DD is in Y6 and in June there is a week-long PGL trip that almost all her classmates will be going on but DD will not attend (she's happy with not going) for various good reasons. There are only two other children not going. When I asked what they will be doing that week, I was told there's no special provision for the ones left behind, and that they'll probably just "help out with the younger ones".

I'm really not happy with this. It would be okay for a day, but all week? I'd rather DD just stayed home - she could relax, read, practise her instruments, go swimming, etc. would would serve her better and be less boring. I have never ever asked for time off before, but I'm really considering it now.

Thoughts?

I disagree that it is the PTA's roll to fund activities for children not attending. Funding kids from lower income families so they CAN participate is precisely what PTS funds are for.

I do think that it is a bit crap if the school is not prepared to work out something more constructive and fun for children who are not attending, for whatever reason.

At our school we have quite a few Jehovah's witnesses, who will not be allowed on this year's trip (because it involves a theatre visit, etc - some of the less strict families allowed their kids on the PGL, others did not); another child has AS and severe anxiety - clearly not going. Why should those who cannot go for religious/cultural/SEN reasons have a week that is less interesting even than usual when everyone else is having a big treat?

I wasn't allowed on a residential when I was at school .. 30 years ago.. It was me ( parents refused to pay) and a group of children who were very poor.( none of who I was remotely friendly with). We were set work and sat in various classrooms through the week. I can say it was one of the dullest miserable weeks of school.

So yes make it fun whether she wants to help the little ones or be at home..

Surely it's down to the Pupil Premium to cover that Han? If the PTA is covering a large part of the trip it seems only fair to spend a little on those not going. The PTA's I've worked with have funded things or events which cover everyone.

The Pupil Premium can be spent on residentials, but it's up to the school and they may target that funding elsewhere.

OP in your position I would be straight and factual with the head. A simple communication that says DC will be educated offsite during week commencing 12:12:12. Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. The worst that could happen is a £60 fine and I would contest that.
For the record I am against taking children out of school for holidays in general but this is not the same.

Your DD can't go on the trip. You don't say why. I wouldn't expect the school to provide anything else, the trip will take all staff and resources for her year group. I doubt the head can authorise an absence. I would keep her off and ring in sick in your situation. But I really think you should reconsider the trip. if it's finances then the school can help.

I loved my PGL trip, now nearly 30 years later. I would do all I could to get my DD on the trip. It's an important part of her learning. Most problems can be overcome, money, homesickness, allergies, bed wetting. the experience will be worth it.

Bestfur, actually I did give our reasons earlier on. Even if I wanted to (which I don't, nor does DD) it's way too late to "reconsider the trip". And you actually have no idea, unless a family qualifies for FSM, if the school is willing to help financially, which, in this case, it categorically isn't.

I'm glad you enjoyed your PGL trip of 30 years ago, and perhaps your DC will love it as well. We are different, and as I posted earlier, DD has been on residentials before. She doesn't suffer from homesickness, bedwetting, or allergies, but for a combination of reasons, she's opting out of this particular trip. My question was about keeping DD off school for that week.

But, er, thanks for your input.

Soho, thanks for the tips - I think the diary is particularly good idea.

Sparkles, I like your straightforward style, but I'm wondering whether it might be better to ask for the week, and try to come to a workable agreement that suits them and takes the pressure off trying to provide something, and suits me and DD.

Op I read your first post, no reasons were given. I don't have time to read the whole thread, sorry for trying to help. Not!