Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

... school not authorising absence- WWYD?

140 replies

Llanali · 03/12/2018 16:44

Just had a letter to say the school will not authorise absence for DD (reception class) for the week before half term in February. This is after the school office advised we would get permission as she’s only in reception.

We tried to go away last year before she started school, to see DD grandparent in Aus but I had a second trimester miscarriage so we had to cancel the trip as I wasn’t allowed to fly following haemorrhage and surgery. This grandparent is the only living one she has.

We can’t go over Christmas as my husband cannot get leave. We can’t go over Easter as he can’t get leave and I can’t have holidays over the summer.

Any ideas? What would you do here? I’m really disappointed they wouldn’t grant us 5 days.

School is threatening prosecution if we take her anyway.

OP posts:
ExFury · 03/12/2018 16:44

Prosecution or a fine?

dementedpixie · 03/12/2018 16:46

Just go but you may get fined

cowfacemonkey · 03/12/2018 16:46

I'd go anyway but although our school don't authorise they don't fine either.

LaurieFairyCake · 03/12/2018 16:47

Do nothing. The fine, if it gets that far, would likely be about £50-£150 - just add that to an Australia budget.

She is over 5?

Auntpetunia2015 · 03/12/2018 16:47

If she’s in reception how old is she? If she’s not 5 then there is nothing school can do as she’s not statutory school age.

To be fair to the school they aren’t allowed to authorise any holidays any more thanks to a Government crackdown a few years ago. If she’s going to miss a whole week ie 10 sessions then they have no choice but to fine you. It’s £60 per child per adult so it’s £120 extra to pay. Lots of schools threaten but don’t actually bother fining. Take your dd to see her grandparent have a lovely time and see what happens when you get back.

AhhhhThatsBass · 03/12/2018 16:47

Prosecution seems overly harsh. When will your daughter turn 5. If she’s already 5, they might well use you as an example. Has she had any other days off this year?

(I’m also considering taking my DD -also Reception - out for a week before half term, but don’t think my school would prosecute)

Sirzy · 03/12/2018 16:47

It will be marked unauthorised. At worse you will get a fine.

ICantFindAFreeNickName2 · 03/12/2018 16:50

When is your daughters birthday , as I don't think you can be fined if she is not compulsory school age. If you are fined is will be probably be £120.

NancyDonahue · 03/12/2018 16:51

Why are you bothered? It's really not a big deal to have an unauthorised absence and pay the £60 (in my area) fine.

10PollyPockets · 03/12/2018 16:52

Schools cant authorise holiday anymore unless it's for "exceptional reasons". If she's under 5 I don't think you can be fined or worst case scenario it will be £60 fine per parent so max £120, just put the money aside. My dds holiday wasn't authorised in October but we haven't been fined yet. The best thing to do is to check your local authorities websites for more information.

SoupDragon · 03/12/2018 16:52

I agree. Go anyway.

tinydancer29 · 03/12/2018 16:52

Just go. The letter looks scarier than it really is. In a teacher and none of the kids got holidays authorised. I have also taken my dd out of school and it’s not been authorised and we’ve not had a fine. It seems to depend on your area if they fine. Worse case scenario is £60 fine per parent per week in our area so total £120 per week of 2-parent family. Don’t worry about it, you won’t be the only one.

Original poster
Llanali · 03/12/2018 16:53

If it was just a fine I’d happily pay! But it specifically says they will prosecute.

She’s just turned 5 unfortunately. We tried to go last half term plus one week before but I had severe morning sickness. I’ve lost this pregnancy too now hence desperate to see family.

I suppose there’s nothing to be done. This is so grim, I don’t know why the office said they would.

Attendance is good except five days off sick since September due to two ear infections which resulted in loss of hearing and a hospital stay.

OP posts:
Original poster
Llanali · 03/12/2018 16:55

@NancyDonahue
I’m bothered because I don’t want to go to court! Which is what they have categorically said they will do- prosecute.

OP posts:
Kidssendingmenuts · 03/12/2018 16:56

If she is below 5 they can't fine you as she is still below school start age. This happened with us and they have to say no, but legally they can't fine you until they are 5 x

NancyDonahue · 03/12/2018 16:57

But you don't go to court if you pay the fine? We've done it a few times now. Fine paid as soon as we get the letter. Job done.

TheDarkPassenger · 03/12/2018 16:57

Prosecute means fine. You’ll get a fine

Harrykanesrightsock · 03/12/2018 16:57

I really doubt they would prosecute if you pay the statuary fine and I would assume that would have to be issued before any court would entertain any kind of hearing. It’s a hell of a waste of resources and money, the Daily Mail would have a field day

Honestly I would go.

NotANotMan · 03/12/2018 16:58

It will be a fine!
Schools don't ever authorise holidays

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 03/12/2018 16:58

They won't authorise a holiday in term time as They're not allowed to. You see as far as far this government are concerned. Working class kids aren't allowed holidays. They're only for the upper and middle classes. Who can afford extra thousands of pounds. The fact that the working class Slog their guts out for a lot less money means nothing.
They may however turn a blind eye
. If her attendance was good.
My sister had the same scenario taking my nephew out of school, but She said. It would have been cheaper to pay the fine. However that was last year and There has been no fine up to now.

SassitudeandSparkle · 03/12/2018 16:58

It is usually the local Council who fine parents for unauthorised absence, not the school - what does the letter say about prosecution?

Nanny0gg · 03/12/2018 16:59

Surely you're only prosecuted if you refuse to pay?

ADastardlyThing · 03/12/2018 17:00

You'll get a fine at worst.

Go! Enjoy!

LaurieFairyCake · 03/12/2018 17:00

Prosecute means a fine, it doesn't mean some horrible court case where you're led around in handcuffs while people throw old cauliflowers at you Grin

Just shrug and pay it. And go - you've had a really tough time and your kid is 5! Thanks

SoupDragon · 03/12/2018 17:01

You see as far as far this government are concerned. Working class kids aren't allowed holidays

Don't be ridiculous.

Swipe left for the next trending thread