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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU NOT taking DC out of school early for a theatre trip

47 replies

cloudybay27 · 06/03/2018 20:46

Just that really, my Mum wants to take us to see a performance at the end of the year (child friendly west end number) that is on tour at our local (ish) theatre. All weekend dates are already fully booked. Still available are weekday matinees or weekday evenings. DC is 6 and would love to go I know, we can't afford to do this without my Mum's generosity (£80 per ticket!!) but I have declined the offer as it means I would have to take DD out of school for the last 1.5hrs (school finishes at 3.30pm)

My mum (ex teacher) thinks I am completely crazy and that I should just take DD out of school. Should I? DD does love all things singing and dancing / acing so this will be a big deal to her but I just wonder what what others would do. An evening performance is possible but means a very late night and travel on the train late at night which is obviously not ideal for a 6yr old. Just wondering if I am overthinking this and what others would do?

OP posts:
PeonyTruffle · 06/03/2018 20:48

I would, especially if it’s a one off. I don’t think it’ll do her any harm and it’s only 90 minutes.

Lethaldrizzle · 06/03/2018 20:49

Definitely take him out of school. That's too good an opportunity to miss and will be an amazing experience

parrotonmyshoulder · 06/03/2018 20:49

I would do it. I might even take her for the whole day.
Teacher here too.

TeaforTiger · 06/03/2018 20:49

What a lovely experience that would be for your child. I can't think of one reason why you wouldn't take her out.

She won't even miss out on her mark and it wont count as an absence.

steppemum · 06/03/2018 20:51

I would just take her out. But I think that if you ask school, they will probably be fine with it.
The reason is, that if she is there for afternoon registration, but then leaves early, she is considered to be present, and does not effect their abscence statistics.

The experience of the theatre is amazing, and certainly worth 1.5 hours of afternoon school.

Don't make a habit of it, but a one off is not a big deal.

Sirzy · 06/03/2018 20:51

I would and have. Told School where we were going and they thought it was great

FluffyWuffy100 · 06/03/2018 20:52

I would take them out of school for that.

Just say "I will be picking Jack and Jane up at 14.00 on DATE. Regards, OP" Done. Tick. Enjoy the show.

Parrothead · 06/03/2018 20:52

Of course I would take him out. I can’t even fathom not, in this situation.

Trills · 06/03/2018 20:53

She won't miss out on anything critical in missing half a day of school aged 6.

IAmNotASaint · 06/03/2018 20:55

I would let her go!

Quartz2208 · 06/03/2018 20:55

She is 6 why wouldn’t you take her out

Bumbumtaloo · 06/03/2018 20:56

My DD is being taken on a school trip to the theatre, it means they will be gone most of the day - the biggest part on a coach. I’m not normally one for taking children out of school but I would.

milkysmum · 06/03/2018 20:57

Definitely would take them out early- might make a day of it even. I can't imagine what you think a 6 year old would be missing at school as a one off!

OutsideContextProblem · 06/03/2018 20:59

I’m really conscientious about school absences but honestly, one and a half hours for a six year old is neither here nor there.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/03/2018 20:59

What?! You're being ridiculous. She's 6 and it's 1.5 hours.

Imknackeredzzz · 06/03/2018 21:00

Of course take them out!!! Why would you even consider not doing so?! What could you possibly think is so critical that your child can’t miss a few hours of school aged six?!

People baffle me at times

ilovesooty · 06/03/2018 21:02

Take her out. She will be marked as present for the afternoon.

ScarlettDarling · 06/03/2018 21:04

Take her out! The school won't mind as she'll be there to get her mark for the afternoon so it won't affect their attendance figures. Love dangerously!

ScarlettDarling · 06/03/2018 21:05

Live not love

windchimesabotage · 06/03/2018 21:05

I think YABU. Its a very short amount of time to miss and would benefit them greatly. Especially if DD is specifically interested in the theatre as well! That experience will be worth far more than the 1.5 hrs of school she missed.

Original poster
cloudybay27 · 06/03/2018 21:10

Thank you, yes you have all convinced me! I hadn't thought that she would be marked as present as they will have done the register for the PM. DH is waaaay more relaxed about this sort of thing than me but I hate dealing with the school and explaining why she will be off but i think on this occasion it's worth it! Will call my Mum now.

OP posts:
Ginorchoc · 06/03/2018 21:10

Please do it, it’ll be such a memorable experience for all of you, the gain outweighs the minimal loss.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/03/2018 21:10

Good call OP!

AgnesBrownsCat · 06/03/2018 21:12

Do it . You’ll regret it if you don’t .

NorthernKnickers · 06/03/2018 21:13

Oh for goodness sake! Do you really need to ask this question?? What on earth do you suppose they will miss for the last hour and a half of term?? I am a teacher...I would love to hear that a child in my class was going to the theatre...and missing the last 'Golden Assembly' (boring as all hell!!) and the final 'cheat all your tat out of your desk and cloakroom! Which is what happens in most schools on the last day of any term, as we need to clear out the rubbish so the cleaners can do the big clean over the holidays!

They will get 'their mark' as long as they go back in for 10 minutes after lunch for the register!

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