to think some schools take things too far!

[lisad123]

I had asked permission to dd1 out of school for 2 weeks in few weeks times. You have to fill a form in and say why you want holiday. I explained clearly on the form dh has cancer macmillian have paid for a holiday, but needs to fit in with his appointments. This was the 2 weeks that solted in well, was within the funds macmillian had given us.

Well was told it was unlikely, so was surprised when called into heads office, to discuss.

They wanted to tell me no! why the hell didnt they just to me instead of dragging me in to tell me that?? They said they understood it was a difficult time for us, but it was unacceptable to ask for time off especially as we have only just returned from half term. I did explain that dh was having appointments over half term, but she just looked at me!! I prompely left in tear I feel like im the worse parent ever for wanting a break from it all!

I mean even the days and weeks after diagnosis dd1 was in school every day!

I know I discussed this slightly on another thread, but cant believe she dragged me in!! Am I just being an over emotional wreak?? would you deny me some time out??

oooh, my slow typing. everyone's already said everything!

unless your kids have a dreadful attendance record, this is very heartless and crass treatment.

Again, if the kid's attendance record is average or good I would take the time anyway; it's only their figures that will be affected. I guess what I mean is if their attendance has been bad, and you do take this time unauthorised, it may mean you have the EWO on your back! If that's not on the cards, take the time and write to the governors to complain!

I'm sorry to hear about your DH by the way. Hope he's as well as he can be.

we are going anyway, i dont care, but im sure she just did it to be unkind.

Oh it said ontop 2 holidays last year! cheeky moo, one was religious reasons and they other was after I had been very unwell in preganncy and then with gallstones and Darren had depression
god i hate that head, she is a witch

attendence last term was 100% and her overall attendace is above average if that makes a difference.

should say her teacher said "you need a holiday, just go dont worry about it. Tanisha is miles ahead anyways"

I'm a teacher and I agree with Spam's idea...threaten to kick off big time.
And whatever the outcome, just go.

Schools have ridiculous policies on these things.

At the school I work at, one of our pupils died in an accident a couple of years ago. The head refused permission for a term time holiday for his siblings on the first anniversary of his death.
I have never been so disgusted at another human being.

It is even worse having seen how old you dd is! She will hardly miss anything that can't be caught up over the summer holidays if needs be... she is 6 for gods sake.

Well she's got 10 more years to revise for her GCSEs!!!
Just go, the head is being very unreasonable.

What a bitch. I hope you DH is OK and that you all enjoy a family holiday.

What could a 6 year old possibly learn in 2 weeks of school that would be more important than that time with her father?

lisad, not one of my children have ever had 100% attendence, and there has never been issues with hols as long as I don;t ask for during May. your head, as you know, is being a witch!!

am glad you are still going

sleepy

There are just a lot of really nasty people around aren't there.

Hi, she must be a really uncaring head teacher. I am a teacher of that age children and I would defo say go, she really wont miss a lot in 2 weeks and would benefit much more from having time on holiday as a family. On the formal side of things, you are allowed 10 days authorised absence every academic year, anything beyond this goes down as unauthorised absence but to be honest it doesnt really matter. In my authority you would get a visit from an attendance officer if her attendance went below 85% for the academic year but again, it doesnt mean anythign they will just want to know why the attendance is low and in all of the times I have known it happen that has all it has been.

You could write to the governors who have otherall responsibility of the school but the head teacher will be on the governing body so I would imagine she would be supported by them in her decision, althoguh not necessarily.

If you have any problems then I would contact the attendance unit of the local authority where hopefully you will get someone with an ounce of understanding!

Go, and enjoy the holiday x

Whoa sleepymummy, that is awful.

And lisad123 I would be taking that holiday.

The Headteacher is being completely unreasonable.

Holy moly. And your DD is only 6? Of course education is really important, and schools can't operate on children being away when the mood suits - but this is clearly a very different case. Glad you are going, and yes, write a letter to the governors. Hope your DH is having some good days too, despite everything.

OMG evil evil headteacher, so glad you're going, this is far more important. I'd be tempted to call the local newspaper to name and shame ...

She's being ridiculous and incredibly thoughtless (I say that as a teacher and former deputy head).

Take the time off, have a wonderful holiday.

When you get back, write a letter of complaint to the governors about they way she has dealt with the matter.

At the same time, copy the letter to the EWO (Educational Welfare Officer) which will explain why your dd is off school.

If your dd is Yr 2, then information for SATs has already been gathered, so you don't need to even think about that. I think that the second half of the summer term is the perfect time to take children out of school!

Oh good lord !

So sorry. I don't think it's acceptable to take time out of school in the normal run of things, but this is exceptional. I can't beleive the head couldn't see that.

What a bitch.
Go and have a lovely time.

"Dear Mrs Freak

I have given some thought to our conversation yesterday regarding our request for authorized leave for [child].

As I stated, this holiday can only be taken when my husband, whom as you know has recently been diagnosed with cancer of the [ ..], is not undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments.

I must tell you that I believe that you are being unreasonable in refusing to authorize this absence, and that I am currently drafting a letter to the governors, whom I trust will apply common-sense to this matter. If they do not, then I will take the matter further.

I have been advised that it is extremely unlikely that an educational appeal would find against me, given the circumstances which necessitate our request.

In the light of that probability, I hope that you will reconsider your position. It might also be useful to bear in mind the impression of the school's leadership which will be formed by the public, when they become aware that a child, who daily faces her parent's life-threatening illness,has been denied a much-needed holiday.

Yours sincerely,

lisa

ps don't worry if you don't normally express yourself in this styleee (which of course I do, but I'm aware others don't ) then she will think it has been drafted for you by someone official-ish

Go anyway and have a great time.

I would simply send a note in noting the meeting and stating that, due to severe medical reasons within the family, your child will not be at school on xxx dates and that you are sorry the school do not feel they can authorise the absenses. CC the school governers and the LEA. And ask for any further comments regarding the matter are responded to formally in writing.

education appeal panel, sorry, not an educational appeal.

She is really being very unreasonable. Unbelievably so.

A friend of a friend's husband had cancer a year or so ago. They knew time may be limited and their DD, also at primary (junior) school, was aken out of school on several occasions for days out, to spend time with her daddy and to go on family holidays. The school had no problems whatsoever in the circumstances.

ooh, fab wording in the letter onebat

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