To ask if you’d let your kids miss school in this situation?

[magicbreathing]

If you had had to move very suddenly and didn’t have enough money until the end of the month to get them to school?

(Not my situation, BTW, this isn’t a thread requesting funds.)

I think I would as well former but I think for the one doing her GCSEs in particular that would be problematic.

It is the school's business if a pupil doesnt attend unfortunately. Somebody will need to contact the school to advise absence and the reason, they can access any available help at the same time I imagine. The school won't judge, their priority is the pupil.

Are you asking because you're considering lending your friend the money?

One week isn't the end of the world but equally, if you or anyone else is in a position to help then I would do so.

Depends on the school. I think trust has broken down before.

No, it isn’t really schools business (not intended to sound like an arse, just that person is very keen for school not to be involved.)

I'll never understand this approach to schools. They will want to help, they acre about this child and want them to do well why on earth wouldn't the parent inform them of a huge change in circumstances? At the end of the day they will want the best for their students especially those preparing to sit their GCSE's.

Is there no way the GCSE student can stay with a mate for a few days?

About 20 miles Missed the update

No, I would if I was in a position to do so. I don’t think it’s the end of the world though, personally.

I think I would as well former but I think for the one doing her GCSEs in particular that would be problematic

Yes it is a difficult time to move schools.

Honestly though, I'd be on the phone first thing tomorrow morning to the LEA to explain I'd moved twenty miles away and that getting to school would be too expensive and time consuming and see what solutions or advice they could offer.

Is this a permanent move? A 20 mile commute for school children really isn't great.
It's hard to give advice without knowing what the situation is but if they can't afford the commute now how will they afford it going forward? The parents have a legal obligation for the children to attend school

Hi magic, are they near a library? Most have GCSE textbooks. If the older child is able to they could do some reading & revision if they are staying off

Not sure yet lindy

A big ask but could they stay at a friend's house for a bit
They really need to go to school

I would assume that because it's a sudden move that it wasn't expected or planned however I would say the circumstances are relevant.

Someone fleeing from a controlling relationship absolutely would warrant keeping your children off. If you've spent loads of money moving unnecessarily, not so much. Or if there are other provisions that could be put in place for the week (like children staying with other family nearer) but chose not too.

If she can’t afford transport can she afford he fine?

What fine?

I'm struggling to see how this thread will be helpful. You've said the move has happened, although you don't seem convinced it was entirely necessary, or you see it as irrelevant. You say the person won't seek help. The person also won't apply for more local schools. You say you can't contact the school, so... they will miss school. Who cares whether strangers think it's right or not? How will that help the situation?

No, I am lougle (convinced it is necessary)

I’m just pondering, I suppose partly trying to work out what I would do.

If she can’t afford transport can she afford the fine?

I was wondering this too, especially if the person in question isn't disclosing the reason for the absence to the school so for all they know they have gone on holiday.

Temporarily missing a week of school isn't the end of the world. I would be getting the DC to do revision and contacting peers for class work/checking on the school homework portal etc.

They aren’t going to get a fine because of a few ‘sick’ days, though.

They could be charged up to £60 per person per day per child if they take the children out of school without authorisation - a lot more than the cost of transport...

I don't understand your question, it sounds like if parents don't have the money then there's no way the children will be able to get to school, so not a question of "letting them" stay off.

A child taking their GCSEs should not be withdrawn from school because they have suddenly moved. Their future will be affected and they certainly should not be forced to lie about the reason for their absence by claiming they wre ill. The reasons behind the move are entirely relevant here.

They aren’t going to get a fine because of a few ‘sick’ days, though.

But they are not sick. Their parent is keeping them off for at least 1 week or possibly longer depending on when they can get the funds together to get them to a school 20 miles away. At some point the school are going to wonder where they are.

It’s a ridiculously immature way to deal with things. Absolutely the school should be the first place they should be turning too and accept all offers of help. The school almost certainly will be able to assist a family in crisis.