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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you/have you taken dc out of school for a day for a one off day trip/treat

202 replies

shatteredmama · 14/09/2020 11:52

Just that really - dc in yr 1, had pretty much 100% attendance in yr R, has no issues, sociable, doing well..

This wouldn’t have crossed my mind previously but following two recent experiences during summer hols and a weekend when we went to Legoland/Chessington and were faced with ridiculous queues of 1.5 hr plus for rides compared with how quiet those places are today (I’ve checked queue times in their apps) it does strike me that dc would’ve had a far better experience going school time mid week with me then catching up on a bit of schoolwork at the weekend.

I’d only intend on doing this once or twice a year, I don’t expect it will sit well with the school however so am just wondering if any of you have done this and how the schools responded, or how you dealt with it if going about it a different way.

Am new to the voting thing, but please vote yes if you’d do what I’m planning or no if you wouldn’t, thanks 🙏

OP posts:
Jellycatspyjamas · 14/09/2020 22:45

Just say they have a cold. Make sure your kids know its a very rare treat, not really allowed, and not to tell the school or their friends.

See that for me is much worse than taking them out in the first place. I’d take them out and be clear it was for whatever. I would t want them to lie about a decision I had made for their benefit.

Hickorydickoryspock · 14/09/2020 22:47

@Jellycatspyjamas you run the risk of being fined if they go around talking about it?

Jellycatspyjamas · 14/09/2020 23:01

I’m in Scotland where fines aren’t an issue, but if fines are a huge deal for you I’d leave them in school. If I take them out I’d happily pay the fine for doing so.

pinkcheesecake · 14/09/2020 23:42

Go for it, I would tbh.

MsEllany · 14/09/2020 23:51

One day in year one? Sure. I have done it. Considering most children have had months off and expected to go back I can’t see how one day makes a difference.

FoxInABox · 15/09/2020 00:02

I have done this- we were going through a very traumatic time as a family, and I kept DC off school the odd day to go out and try and rebuild some positive moments in their lives. There were reasons why that couldn’t be on the weekend but they would be outing. I wouldn’t make a habit of it but at the time it was very much needed and I think it did help their mental health.
Right now like pp I’m aiming for them to be in school as much as possible, after such lengthy time off and with the constant threat of having to self isolate if anyone in their bubbles tests positive.

balloonsintrees · 15/09/2020 00:10

Ooooh, can I do that with my kids?

Oh no, wait, no I can't because I'm the sucker left in the classroom having to mop up the random absences because people want an easy time at a theme park.

Suck it up like the rest of us, plan your day at a theme park (by researching peak times etc) and battle your way through in the holidays; that is what they are there for.

Before anyone whinges, yes I know I get 13 weeks off per year, but it is unpaid and I have to live my life in that time e.g doctors appts, theatre visits, holidays, day trips with my children. Any event out of holiday time I cannot go to, and yes I am still upset I won't be able to attend Latitude festival again.

wigglebox · 15/09/2020 00:43

Always take mine out for trips, outside of high season times. Life is there to be enjoyed and to have spontaneous adventures. Really people, there's more to life than perfect attendance at school🙄

notanoctopus · 15/09/2020 00:47

If I was going to do this, I'd probably take them off sick on a Friday. Again it would depend on the child-at 5, no yanbu.

Poppadumpony · 15/09/2020 01:11

Totally do it. There’s more to childhood than school.

squeekums · 15/09/2020 01:32

Have done, will do again, no guilt, from single days to 2 week family holidays

Just before corona hit Aus we went to gold coast, pulled dd out for 2 weeks. Literally 2 weeks after we got back into South Aus borders closed so we were so lucky we went when we did
A few months before that, she had 3 days off so me and dp could fly to Melbourne for WWE and our anniversary. She got 3 days at grandmas, who we dont see as often living rural and her in city.

Bettyboop82 · 15/09/2020 03:29

I definitely would!

PineappleUpsideDownCake · 15/09/2020 03:37

I think its far worse asking them to lie or not to share details of their day with their friendsSad. Just own it.

Kokeshi123 · 15/09/2020 03:42

I have, but I live overseas and we don't make a fuss about it here if it is literally just the very occasional day.

WinWinnieTheWay · 15/09/2020 03:46

Yes I would for a day. I wouldn't make a habit of it, but life is short and children done stay smal for long.

yecannyshoveyergranny · 15/09/2020 03:56

The British obsession with attendance and fear of the school is odd.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 15/09/2020 04:18

Oh dear OP you should know by now never to ask this question!
Shame on you Grin

Considering the complete madness & uncertainty of the year so far then I say definitely go to Legoland.
It's only one day & its Y1.
If you have those free entry vouchers then it would be a waste not to use them.
Friends went on Thursday with their children & it was very very quiet.

If was it was a regular occasion then I would say no.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 15/09/2020 04:32

Oh & as Legoland was very quiet the kids got to go on all the rides more than once as no queuing.

snitzelvoncrumb · 15/09/2020 04:41

I would take the day off school, my kids are missing the last day of school so we can beat the traffic when we go away.

NeverForgetYourDreams · 15/09/2020 04:42

Six months ago I would have said YABU

However we are taking DS14 out of school a day before half term next year due to a postponed holiday from this year and I actually don't care. I'm anti term time holidays but after this years debacle I think heck let's just do it

However he will be 'sick' that day

Sharpandshineyteeth · 15/09/2020 04:48

I would and have done this.

SelkieQualia · 15/09/2020 04:54

I'm in Australia, and second the posters who comment how oddly strict the UK system seems regarding a few days off here and there. From the outside, it appears quite bizarre!

squeekums · 15/09/2020 05:23

@SelkieQualia

I'm in Australia, and second the posters who comment how oddly strict the UK system seems regarding a few days off here and there. From the outside, it appears quite bizarre!
Agree, aussie here too and our school said it was a great experience for dd to have a 2 week family holiday, understood why we chose the time we did and wished us a great break - we had just got back from long summer holidays at the time too
TW2013 · 15/09/2020 06:04

We did before fines. Early days of reception, new baby, the school had grandparents day and all her grandparents were too old/ dead to be able to come. We decided it would be better to have a day out together rather than making her go to school when we were all at home and sit and watch other children playing with their grandparents. Other adults were not allowed to go in place of grandparents. School did give permission.

It is not something I would do often but it can be an effective statement at times especially if you can afford the fines. Next grandparents day they were allowed to bring someone else if grandparents not available.

garlictwist · 15/09/2020 06:18

My mum did this once when I was about 13 - well, we didn't go anywhere but she let me stay off school for no reason and I have never forgotten it. It was just fantastic to not have to go and have a day off. I probably wouldn't make a habit of it but I would definitely do it a couple of times, although when the child was older as when they are little school isn't really that big a deal.

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