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Covid

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Original poster

Keeping child off - what to tell school?

19 replies

OnlyBejoking · 07/07/2021 01:32

We are considering keeping our child off for the last few days of term so we can go on a long planned trip. Cases are rocketing around us and it is a miracle they aren't isolating already. They would miss 3 days.

I'm not sure whether to tell school this or whether to call in sick or say they are isolating. I hate lying but it seems the easiest route. What would /have you said?

OP posts:

Wheresmybiscuit3 · 07/07/2021 01:33

I suppose it depends how supportive the school are generally?

jumpbounce · 07/07/2021 02:57

I personally would keep them off and would tell the school why. I think many people will be doing this and schools will be understanding perhaps even relieved that they will have less children within them in the last few days reducing the risks of isolation further for staff who may well have holidays booked and want to avoid isolation as well.
Make sure to allow for more than 10 days before the holiday from last school contact. Our school is already closed and a whole year group got notification days after it closed to self isolate due to an outbreak over the last days and it impacted quite a few peoples holiday plans!

Mindymomo · 07/07/2021 06:34

I really cannot see a problem with the school letting you do this. They’ve all had such a crap year. I would ring saying a tummy bug.

Hercisback · 07/07/2021 06:37

Just say they need to isolate. Doesn't affect schools attendance then.

Whinge · 07/07/2021 06:39

I work in a school and we're expecting quite a few families to do this. Just be honest and explain it's because you don't want to risk isolating and missing out on your holiday.

endofjune · 07/07/2021 06:39

I’d just be honest.

amylou8 · 07/07/2021 06:40

Tummy bug

Lulu1919 · 07/07/2021 06:41

Just tell them ...it will be fine

Wish I could do the same..but ass a TA I can't !!!!
Just hoping nothing happens to stop my holiday next week.......

TreeFella · 07/07/2021 06:42

Don't say they are isolating if they aren't! That may affect other families if they would be classed as a close contact. Just be honest with the school.

HighlandCowbag · 07/07/2021 06:45

I'm doing the same. We have dental appointments booked tho so am going to say we are isolating for those as once the work starts he needs to attend the second appointment to keep him pain free.

For 3 days I'd say tummy bug.

Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 06:49

Don’t lie. Be honest.

girlmom21 · 07/07/2021 06:49

Just be honest. I don't see the point in lying.

Iamnotthe1 · 07/07/2021 06:50

Please don't say they are isolating. The school is legally bound to provide work and, as far as is possible, remote feedback and/or instruction. You'd be increasing someone's workload significantly in the last few days of the year for no reason.

Be honest. The school won't be able to authorise it but, unless your kid has a load of unauthorised absences, there won't be a fine from the local authority.

SquashMinusIsShit · 07/07/2021 07:00

I'd be honest, there might be other kids.off already so there.might. Be work that they can set. t

don't say you are isolating because that could impact other people

Hercisback · 07/07/2021 07:05

That may affect other families if they would be classed as a close contact.

You'd only be a close contact with a positive test. You can be asked to isolate if you are a contact of a positive, that's what I meant.

Hercisback · 07/07/2021 07:06

iamnot We're already at the point where we have at least one student isolating until the end of term so extra work isn't an issue. A huge drop in non covid attendance would be an issue for the head.

AprilAzpilicueta · 07/07/2021 07:11

Our school sent an email out this week reiterating the date of the last day of term, and telling us that children must NOT be absent because of holidays before this date. So I think they might be expecting a lot of this and trying to pre-empt it!

Iamnotthe1 · 07/07/2021 07:15

@Hercisback

That depends on the school. We currently have no-one off in isolation and our attendance figures have never been higher.

One kid would also not constitute a huge drop either. Even in a one form entry primary, each kid is worth less than half a percentage point. Three days being half a percentage point down is negligeable.

Hercisback · 07/07/2021 07:18

We're anticipating many more than 1 kid per form being off for the last week. The head has all but sent an email sanctioning it as long as it's described as isolating. We're in a huge case area and I can see why. It depends completely on context.

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