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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To pull a sickie to take my kids to Glastonbury

122 replies

TheColourofspring · 03/05/2023 07:42

Me & DH have glasto tickets. My mum was going to look after the kids but now can’t come down. I am not so concerned about the year 6 child as they will have done SATS & the head won’t mind. The older child more tricky as secondary won’t give any days off and certainly not for a festival. But it’s the last year we can get them in for free! Older child doing well in school so am not so worried about them missing school for a few days.

It’s more how to do it? Formally & it’s likely I will get fined! I feel really bad pulling a sickie but I feel like it’s a great experience for them & one that they will remember.

Glasto tickets are like Rocking horse poo too so for DH & I, it might be our last chance!! There’s great kids stuff on site, family camping & so good all round really. And post covid, feels like an enriching thing to do.

Irresponsible parents or life experience?! I really don’t want to have to give up my tickets with 6 weeks to go!

OP posts:
KingSpaniel · 03/05/2023 07:43

You won’t get fined if it’s less than 5 days. I would just tell them and let them put it down as unauthorised absence - don’t make your kids lie in school.

Justpoppingon · 03/05/2023 07:44

I'd definitely do it and I used to be a teacher 😂

Gazelda · 03/05/2023 07:44

How many days will you need off? What year is your eldest?

Changingplace · 03/05/2023 07:44

If you do a sickie can you really expect your secondary school child not to tell anyone they’ve been to Glastonbury?? If you take them just accept you’ll probably be fined.

Original poster
TheColourofspring · 03/05/2023 07:45

@Gazelda 3 days off and Year 10

OP posts:
summerisnearlyhere · 03/05/2023 07:46

I'm taking my yr 12 and 9 out for 3 days to go on holiday. The worst that can happen is unauthorised absence.
Have fun and don't worry about it!

Original poster
TheColourofspring · 03/05/2023 07:47

@summerisnearlyhere ah that’s reassuring - are you telling the school?

OP posts:
TheFormidableMrsC · 03/05/2023 07:49

I would definitely do it but be honest about it. It's a fantastic once in a lifetime experience for your kids. Don't lie about being poorly as that might come back to bite you on the bum. I had a situation fairly recently where I had to take child out of school for an event. I told the truth and they put it down as authorised absence. If they don't do that then so what? I am so envious, was unable to secure tickets! Have a fantastic time 🎸

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 03/05/2023 07:49

Ha! My dc are the same ages. They'd totally grass you up. Don't they need tickets, even if they are free?

Whinge · 03/05/2023 07:50

Take them, but don't lie to the school.

Original poster
TheColourofspring · 03/05/2023 07:51

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads my daughter gets in free as she’s under 12. We know someone who has a stall who has a band for my DS & he’ll work a shift!

OP posts:
sorrynotathome · 03/05/2023 07:51

If you can afford Glastonbury you can afford the fine. Don’t teach your children to lie.

SchoolShenanigans · 03/05/2023 07:54

You don't have to give 100 reasons why you want to take them.

Ultimately it's your choice. If you're happy to pay a fine, take them. If you're not, don't.

Don't lie, the school will find out and it will be embarrassing. It also teaches your children awful morals. Own your actions.

AlanJohnsonsBeemer · 03/05/2023 07:54

Do it but make elder DS do extra work before and after. Work hard, play hard

milkysmum · 03/05/2023 07:55

Just ask school for the time to be authorized for a short holiday ( it will be turned down obviously) but then just explain you will be taking them anyway. Highly unlikely you would be fined if under a week. Enjoy.

AlanJohnsonsBeemer · 03/05/2023 07:55

Sorry just saw that you are going to do it anyway. Just tell the school as you will likely not be fined and if you are, take the hit

RedRobin100 · 03/05/2023 07:55

Totally do it but just tell the school the truth

Roselilly36 · 03/05/2023 07:57

I would tell the school, it’s a one off etc. your kids are bound to post on sm and tell friends. I know my two would have definitely dropped me in it 😂 enjoy.

AtChoService · 03/05/2023 07:58

I'd do it. School isn't the be all and end all of life.

Jellycatspyjamas · 03/05/2023 07:58

I’ve done it before, for a different festival - just tell the school they won’t be in. I really don’t get grown adults asking the school for permission to take kids out. If they fine you, they’d fine you whatever reason you have so just take them out and enjoy Glastonbury.

ssd · 03/05/2023 08:03

Daily mail fodder

shivawn · 03/05/2023 08:03

just tell the school they won’t be in. I really don’t get grown adults asking the school for permission to take kids out.

I don't get it either but I don't live in the UK, schools seem very OTT about this stuff over there. I'd just let the school know they'll be out for a few days with no excuses or apologies.

Sounds fantastic OP, I hope you go for it and have an amazing time!

LuluCurl · 03/05/2023 08:05

I’d probably just tell the school the truth, you probably won’t get fined. As Guns n Roses are playing I wouldn’t care anyway. Worth the fine for them alone. 🤣

hairdresserbreakup · 03/05/2023 08:08

Another vote for just tell the truth. You won't get fined, but it will go down as an unauthorised absence. By that time in the school year, even in year 10, missing a couple of days, with otherwise good attendance isn't going to be hugely detrimental.

It absolutely isn't fair to expect your kids to lie, and chances are school will find out anyway.

toomuchlaundry · 03/05/2023 08:10

Will it clash with Y10 mocks?

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