Term time holiday dates dilemma

[user657865337]

My DS started reception this year. We have booked a holiday for what we thought was October half term but it turns out we are actually due to fly out two days before term finishes eeek (apparently DH checked the 24/25 calendar rather than the 25/26 calendar hence the mistake). We can pay a fair few hundred to change the date but I’d really rather not. AIBU to call him in sick for the two days? What would you do?? If it makes a difference he turns 5 at the beginning of October

Don’t sweat it AT ALL just call him in sick and enjoy your holiday, he’s got many years at school left x

Just be honest. You won't be fined and honesty is the best policy.

Don't call him in sick.
Say you are going away and go.
Don't lie to the school.
He isn't mandated for education until jan anyway

I would tell the truth. I don’t believe you can be fined until after he turns 5 - although sounds like this is happening before the trip. If you do get fined and it is less that the cost to change the dates then it’s probably worth it. I wouldn’t advocate this at any other age, but he’s right on the cusp and as another poster has said, the curriculum proper starts in January.

Thank you. Does this mean it’s not compulsory for him to be in school until January?

Just tell them the truth and say your husband looked at the wrong calendar and you’re going to have to take two days unauthorised leave. No big deal.

Don’t call him in sick. Just be honest with school.

I work in a school and generally it’s pretty obvious when parents are lying about these things anyway. Normally the child will give it away in their excitement!

Don’t call in sick.

if he’s not 5 he’s not going to get fined. But he won’t anyway unless he misses a week.

it’s fine, don’t sweat

Just be honest. They can’t fine you because he isn’t complusory school age until the term after he turns 5.

He's not compulsory until 5, and 2 days is 4 sessions which is under the amount they fine for. Have a look on your school's website for a holiday form and have fun ☺️

We've missed 2 days at the end of term before, I filled in the holiday form and I knew it wouldn't be authorised but I didn't give it a second thought.
Lots of people take kids out for a whole week or more so I really wouldn't worry about 2 days, especially in reception.

If he’s still 4, you won’t get fined and honestly just tell them. Loads of people call in sick and the last day or so before a half term and it’s just embarrassing that they lied. I don’t think twice of a parent books the odd day here and there!

They won’t care about 2 days attached to half term. Also loads of kids at totally burnt out by that half term. Mine are often broken by that point and find it the heaviest half term of the year.

Take the holiday as planned but tell the truth.

This plus children tend to tell the truth

Dont lie. Just tell them you are going away if you dont want to change the dates.
Its under the amount you'd get fined for

I work in a school and Attendance is one of my responsibilities.
Just tell the truth, that your DH made an honest mistake and to change the dates would cost you hundreds of pounds. There's really there's no need to lie. Fill in a leave of absence request form (should be on the website or you can get one from the office), they will send you a standard letter or email saying it won't be "authorised" because they have to follow protocol, but they won't actually care and you certainly won't be fined or anything. They'll appreciate you not trying to bullshit them.
Trust me, when parents lie, we usually know anyway. The kids almost always grass you up and tell us that they weren't really poorly!😂
On a more serious note, as a DSL I think normalising lying and keeping secrets for a kid this age is a really bad idea from a safeguarding point of view. They need to feel able to trust their new school adults, and talk openly to them about problems or worries. Telling them they have to lie to their Teachers sends the wrong message.

School attendance officer here, don't lie just fill in the forms they will send you a letter saying it will be unauthorised but you won't be fined as it's less than 5 days.

Don't call him in sick. It is not at all a proportionate reaction to teach your child to lie. Be honest with the school. It was an honest mistake. You may get a fine (the school don't make that decision) but the fine will be lower than changing the tickets. Don't sweat it.

So did he think half term would start on a wednesday? I think that’d be pretty unusual! But regardless he’s only in reception I wouldn’t worry about it, enjoy the holiday!

It’s only 2 days. Tell school the truth - it’s just unauthorised absence. Don’t worry too much about it.

This ^

Don't lie, just be honest. I can tell you the majority of children (especially young ones), always end up telling a member of staff they're going on holiday or have been on holiday! I work in a First school, so see it on occasions!!

Enjoy your holiday. Will be the best thing for your little man! Just be honest x

You signed him up to start school in September so he is expected to attend. But it s two days and reception. Just tell school and off you go.