Is this an acceptable reason to ask for time out of school?

[Lottielou7]

This is more of a WWYD.

My daughter, who is in year 7 recently moved schools. She has been at her new school for 3 weeks and is loving it. Her old school contacted me to say that she won an award and could she come in to collect it because the head wants to present it to her. They also want her to see her friends. The problem is that they have asked for her to come at lunchtime and this would involve her missing school which I'm not happy about. The schools are about 30 minutes apart by car. I did ask if she could come at the end of the day but I was told there is a match.

I don't know whether to ask her current school if they would mind this because I don't feel it's fair to expect her to miss school tbh. OTOH, she's thrilled about winning the award and would obviously like to collect it.

What do you all think?

As it's a one off and she won't miss that much school; I'd probably take her to collect the award

It's the end of term, and the time off is for an academic award. Beyond illness or bereavement I can't think of a more worthy reason for missing school!

Agree with PP, it's a one off, it's nearing the end of term - I can't see a reason why not to do it to be honest.

I think it's an activity that directly supports her education so it would be a yes from me - and I'm usually the one saying no.

Yes she should go if she wants to collect her award im sure new school would sanction that its just an afternoon

How much school will she miss?

(I assume as you mention car times someone will drive her there and back?) so she misses her lunch hour at school and half an hour either side?

They also want her to see her friends.

Surely that's your DD's decision?

But agree with pp that she should go - and I manage attendance in my school.

I would think that's fine. She isn't exactly going to miss days and days!

Ok, hopefully it will be ok then - I feel better about asking now. She would probably just miss the afternoon.

Of course op. She will remember it years to come.

Think how chuffed she will be to get her award

Congrats to your dd OP. That's a big deal. I'd go, and hopefully the new school will sanction it.

Hi Lottie
It's probably perfectly acceptable for you to do this and congratulations to your daughter on her award. Take her for a treat too.

I think when it is education related, there is a code that schools can use for the absence which is considered acceptable. Something like being educated off-site.

Old school is being a bit twatty IMO - I doubt they'd be impressed with one of their current pupils taking time out for this!

But hopefully new school will be understanding and you can make sure she gets the award in person.

At this time of the year and not being an exam year I doubt it would e an issue.

I'd personally just tell the new shcool and take her to the award.

Chances are the new school will be just as pleased about her award.

Talk to them about it.

I wouldn't ask, I would tell.

It seems reasonable to me but I'd ask your DD what she would like to do, she might not want to go back after all.