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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not let DD (11) take the day of school at this notice to join the climate strike tomorrow

20 replies

Entreprecurious · 19/09/2019 21:10

Background: I've been a bit rubbish about getting my children engaged in the issue of climate change. They're aware of it, we talk about it, have watched a couple of documentaries etc but we haven't made any significant changes to our lives and in fact we've done a lot of travel in recent years so our carbon footprint is pretty shocking. We try to be environmentally conscious in minor ways, avoiding plastic, using public transport whenever possible etc. But it's all pretty lightweight. I have given myself a metaphorical slap round the face in recent weeks and decided we need to become more environmentally responsible as a family.

I mentioned the climate strike to my DC a week or so ago and asked whether they wanted to attend. They were vaguely interested but DD at that point wasn't keen to miss school (she is in year 7 and really enjoying secondary). So I didn't contact the school to ask permission and had planned to go on my own tomorrow. But DD came home from school today suddenly very keen to attend tomorrow; says she's suddenly realised how important it all is and wants to be present, the more people that are there the higher profile the issue will become etc. I've told her that if she wanted to go she should have planned, emailed the HOY in advance to explain etc but I'm really not keen on letting her take a day off school with no warning. Also, I've already had to email the HOY recently to ask for permission to take a morning off school in October for something else and I don't want to push my luck so early in year 7. DD has been on at me about it all evening though and I've told her probably no but I'll think about it overnight.

AIBU?

Her latest suggestion is that she goes to the HOY first thing tomorrow to explain and ask if she'll authorise an absence. I imagine she won't but I've no idea how schools feel about the strike.

OP posts:
aibutohavethisusername · 19/09/2019 21:16

I think her idea of asking in the morning is a good one.

AnathemaPulsifer · 19/09/2019 21:29

I doubt schools can authorise absence for this. When my DD went we just let the school know that morning that she was taking the day off.

Entreprecurious · 19/09/2019 21:32

Thanks - I guess she's got nothing to lose

OP posts:
museumum · 19/09/2019 21:36

You may have to write a note. In our council area all schools will authorise but only with a letter from a parent saying they take responsibility for the child.

EternallyGrapefruit · 19/09/2019 21:40

Ours is the same, @museumum.

Entreprecurious · 19/09/2019 21:41

Ah, that's useful to know. Thanks @museumum

OP posts:
Starlight456 · 19/09/2019 21:44

I have refused my son.

I have told him if he is bothered about the climate . He can start turning lights off after himself, take water with him to avoid buying plastic bottles.

I am not sure he would be bothered if it was a Saturday

Entreprecurious · 19/09/2019 21:50

lol at starlight

Yeah, I know what you mean. Thing is, DD really does love school and none of her friends are going so she's not just looking for a day off with her mates. She's quite plastic aware. Rubbish at turning the light off though...

OP posts:
ASauvignonADay · 19/09/2019 21:53

We have authorised climate change marches however.. we ask the kids/parents where possible, for them to attend school before/after, which they have.

ASauvignonADay · 19/09/2019 21:55

If other schools are like ours: we support children wanting to stand up for what they believe. But we are also under massive pressure to drive up attendance. Huge pressure. So if they don't need to whole day, don't take the whole day.

Jillyhilly · 19/09/2019 21:56

*I have told him if he is bothered about the climate . He can start turning lights off after himself, take water with him to avoid buying plastic bottles.

I am not sure he would be bothered if it was a Saturday*

This is the perfect response to this nonsense.

Entreprecurious · 19/09/2019 21:59

Sauvignon thanks - we could just go for the morning and be back in school for the afternoon

OP posts:
Hopesorfears · 19/09/2019 22:00

It's not nonsense.
Pretty sore head of year can't authorise anything on the say-so of the pupil. Would be much better for you to phone in or send her in with a letter.

Rowenaravenclawsdiadem · 19/09/2019 22:00

I asked dd’s school. They said no outright. She wants to go but I can’t afford a fine if it’s unauthorised and council fine me. Don’t want to stop her standing up for what she believes in so have suggested she pays any fine. She is debating her answer presently.

Hopesorfears · 19/09/2019 22:01

Our schools are granting authorised absence for this with parental permission.

LittleMy20 · 19/09/2019 22:02

Yes UABU let her go and be proud of her.

nomorenightmares · 19/09/2019 22:06

I agree with @LittleMy20. Be proud that she wants her voice to be heard, especially if she's not just doing it because her friends are. This is important.

BlackberriesAndCream · 19/09/2019 22:07

Ours say it's unathorised, but I know some children going anyway. Most of them seem fairly clueless about what climate change is really about and what they could actually do about it, or even what the strikes are trying to achieve, so I can understand why schools are reluctant. But at the same time, I do think it's good for children to stand up for something they believe in, if they have really thought about it.

Jillyhilly · 19/09/2019 22:17

It's not nonsense

Ok - fashionable foolishness, then. Taking a day off school to protest about the climate, of all things! It defies belief. But still, when the earth is still here and we’re all still going strong in 50 years, I’m sure we’ll all have a good larf about it.

I cannot see the point of feeding kids a relentless diet of eco-anxiety. It does them no good whatsoever and it sure as hell won’t make any difference to the climate.

Shoutymomma · 19/09/2019 22:17

My kids’ school has an inset day. Wondering if they are planning their insets to coincide with climate strikes? They and many friends are giving up their ‘free’ day to go into the city on the bus to attend the demo. On previous occasions I have said it is up to them and haven’t asked permission. If the school sees fit to penalise them for unauthorised absence, they need to accept the consequences. They signed out, attended demos and weren’t punished.

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