I feel terrible, taken out of school for Lapland UK

[MummaHud]

I’ve taken my daughter out of school today she’s 5 for Lapland UK. We don’t have a lot of money and her brother was born extremely premature last year and she missed out on a lot of things because of it.

she’s the kindest soul, she’s really clever and she’s just amazing.

im not justifying anything as id never take my child out of school, but we won VIP at Lapland UK.

an experience I’d never ever consider looking at usually and its not an experience I can turn down.

my daughter has 100% attendance, I’m worried what the school will do? I’ve been honest and she will be back tomorrow.

am I a bad mum? 😭

Only in England is this even a thing. In Ireland the teacher would wave you off happily. Dont give it another thought

No fine for ONE day. Stop scaremongering

No, you are not a bad mum, you are a wonderful one, who knows that though 100% attendance in school is quite important (not absolutely so) giving your DD other experiences even at the expense of a day off school is good and necessary and something which you should do. If school get huffy ask why you should have turned down a lovely experience for your DD for the convenience of their attendance records. Have a lovely time.
NB I am the child whose mother took her to buy a much needed winter coat in the sales (could not afford such a good one otherwise - family living in one room in London in the 50s) and when asked by my teacher whether buying a new coat was more important than going to school said 'yes' - because it was (I was 7).

Congratulations and have a fantastic day! What a lovely thing to win (and hopefully it’s sunny like it is here today)

Our school actually approved the absence when we did similar and for similar reasons at a slightly older age. I suspect they will be very pleased for you and hope you all have a wonderful time.

I wouldn’t hesitate! Enjoy your trip and make some wonderful memories

I just checked on the gov website and it says that you need to check with your local council to find out when and if you will be fined.

It then says "If your child is off school 3 or more times within the 3 years you will not be fined but may be taken to court"

So 1 day off a year for 3 years and you go to court?

It really could be clearer. I think the entire page needs to be looked at for clarity.

And I think it should make it clear that some absences (such as funerals) would automatically be considered reasonable and that schools will have a certain amount of discretion in relation to days off for this sort of thing.

Perhaps a petition is needed (if there isn't already one)

Presenteeism. It doesn't always equate to good quality work/learning.

I wouldn't even think twice about taking my child out.

She will have a fantastic experience, which makes you a brilliant mum in my book. One school day at age 5 won't matter at all.

@MummaHud well done on winning the tickets. It's a wonderful experience and it sounds like you all deserve it after tough times. Don't give the day off a second thought. Your DD is 5 and is not going to miss anything vital! The school will probably mark it down as an unauthorised absence but so what tbh? Enjoy it all.

Why lie though?

She's five. It will have no impact on her long-term education and she'll remember it for years. Have a magical day and don't give it a second thought.

You’re a great Mum; enjoy your day.

I don’t support taking DC out of school for holidays, but one day near Christmas after a tough year? It’s fine. And well done for being honest with the school.

It's a day and sounds amazing
Seriously give no further fucks about this and have an amazing time

I done the exact same thing 2 years ago and for the exact same reason! Their sister was born extremely premature, very ill and almost didn’t make it multiple times. We were so thankful to have gotten out nicu before Christmas and went all out ❤️

It was great, the kids found it amazing and we got the best photos to look back on xx

Stop stressing! You’re a wonderful mum and you all deserve a treat x the school won’t do anything

We took them out to do 10 days in the Bahamas and I didn’t feel guilty. It was nearly 4k cheaper than going in the summer holidays.

one day is absolutely fine it’s something special. Enjoy it and make your memories ❤️

Have a fab day!!

I'm quite judgey about people who do this but she's 5 and it's one day. Hell. enjoy it.

OP, it’s one day of school, please pull yourself together.

It's amazing, my friend works there and the stories she details are heartwarming. Relax and enjoy every second!

Nah, let go of the guilt

Critical thinking is more important than unquestioningly following the rules. It's an essential skill to teach your children as well. Have fun on the day x

Have a great time , don't give the school a second thought

Have a great time don't stress. I always told truth when I took my son out of primary school. We did theme park days as it was quieter, and 3 days at Disneyland. All they will do is give and unauthorised absence as long as you don't miss 10 sessions in 10 weeks I think it is there is no fine. Enjoy the day with your little girl and make memories 💕