to ask school to authorise absence for center parcs

[needabreak5]

We have booked the CP village near my parents (300 miles from us), for next month. Friday to Monday, term time so two days off school. It was originally booked for last year, before DS started school, cancelled due covid, rebooked for Christmas (then cancelled), re-booked for easter (cancelled). On this fourth re-book the only available dates were during term-time DC haven't seen grandparents for 10 months - we are desperate for a mini holiday after so many disappointments and cancellations. If you were the head would you allow the absence?

I would but it’s not really relevant because I’m not your Head.

Headteachers aren't allowed to authorise holidays, but you are very unlikely to be fined for 2 days absence.

thanks DS is in reception - the absence policy is a bit vague, but appears if its not authorised then DH and I would both be fined so we have to pay double the amount. Does that sound right?

Our head wouldn’t authorise it but I thought fines only kicked in after 5 days (that May only be in our local authority though)

No. If I were the Head I would not allow the absence. The rules are clear about scheduling holidays during term dates. It is irrelevant all the prior booking/cancel and so on. And 10months not seeing extended family isn’t unusually long especially given Covid. Most people are past the 12 month mark not seeing family.

Now, if one of the grandparents was terminally ill and it is “last time”, then I would approve it.

@needabreak5

thanks DS is in reception - the absence policy is a bit vague, but appears if its not authorised then DH and I would both be fined so we have to pay double the amount. Does that sound right?

No, the fine is per child, not per parent.

I wouldn’t care less that you wanted to do it - but I wouldn’t officially authorise it.

They can’t authorise. Every family on the country is desperate for a holiday or to see family and friends they can’t authorise everyone mini breaks in term time.

Just ask them and hope for the best!

Head aren't allowed to authorise much unless exceptional circumstances.
If the child is still under 5 you will be fine assuming in England.

@needabreak5

thanks DS is in reception - the absence policy is a bit vague, but appears if its not authorised then DH and I would both be fined so we have to pay double the amount. Does that sound right?

Not for two days. You have to have more than five days off.

We had similar. Set out our reasons in a letter. Response was it would go down as unauthorised. No fine. I really don't think they can authorise it but hopefully you won't get a fine.

I doubt anyone would officially authorise, but you’d be unlikely to be fined.

No, the fine is per child, not per parent

I thought it was per parent and per child. But in any event a mini-break isn't caught as it's too short.

Don't ask them, go on your holiday have an amazing time. He/she has a tummy ache.
Why are people so hateful? She wants a holiday leave her to it.

They won’t authorise but you won’t be fined 2 days it’s usually 5 days or more. Plus is he legal school age yet? Term after 5 - below that 0 chance of fine. I’d just email or write and say DC will be off x and y date on a holiday postponed due to covid from 2020. School won’t care.

You can just take them out unauthorised. Surely they won't fine for 2 days in reception? As long as you're honest about the reason so your child doesn't have to lie when you get back.

I did this with my child, it had to be unauthorised but I was not fined. I’m a teacher and at my school we would take the same line as that. All you can do is ask, no one in here can guarantee that you won’t get fined but I think it is very unlikely for such a short period of time. Also is your child legally of school age yet?

We had to rebook our holiday from last year to this year and the holidays have worked out differently this year which now means we miss 5 days of school. We are telling the school the truth and if we receive a fine then I will just pay the £60.

Where is the hate?

The fine is per parent, so yes, you'll be fined the double amount. We've been taking the kids out for a week's holiday every year and we do get fined for 5 days.

Do it. Think about how much more expensive would it be if you go to CP during the holidays! And how much will they possibly be missing at that age?! Nothing.

Before they're 5 they cant fine you as under compulsory school age

No.

But I would expect you to just take them anyway

Our school wouldn't authorise but wouldn't fine us for 2 days, however when we've taken dd out for 5 days both dad and I got fined.

DS has just turned 5 this month if that makes a difference.

They can’t authorise. Every family on the country is desperate for a holiday or to see family and friends they can’t authorise everyone mini breaks in term time.

Totally understand that everyone is just as desperate as we are. they should of course authorise them all - Covid being the exceptional reason as it's not been possible to take holidays when the schools have been closed as people normally would.