To think the school might authorise this absence?

[NameChangedTwice]

its automatic fine for 5 days unauthorised so I’m thinking to formally request our upcoming holiday to India to be authorised. We go end of October half term but want to stay to celebrate Diwali with DH’s friends and family, which a Sunday, and will fly back the Monday which will mean 6 days off school after half term. Kids are 6 and 9.

DH is Hindu, kids are not really religious but do celebrate Diwali and take part in the cultural traditions. we usually celebrate at home in U.K. but since we are going to India anyway thought it would be nice to have the full experience experience - it’s just not as ‘festive’ in the U.K. and there’s not the same atmosphere. Do you think this is a good enough reason for the school to authorise the absence? We wouldn’t do it every year but would be nice for them to experience it in India as they haven’t done since they were pre-schoolers.

Id expect they might authorise the friday and monday as relating to Diwali, the rest of it is you choosing to add in a term time holiday in India.

Even that they don't need to do, you don't have to be physically present in India to celebrate Diwali, millions of people celebrate it all around the world.

The term time holiday to CP I'd skip. We'd all like to do cheaper holidays with family but sometimes its life and you can't. You can literally go to CP any time.

Our school have advised new government rules from September 2023 stating a fine will be incurred if:

• Any incidence of unauthorised holiday in term time. (5 days no longer applicable, even 1 day will be fined).