taking a child abroad to study for a term

[C00L]

I am planning to take my child abroad to study in my country of origin to learn the language and the culture. He is year 5 and the trip would be in the summer term - beginning with the Easter break. We spoke with the head of the school and he said he was supportive of our ideas. He said he would check with the local authority if to ensure he could keep his place. Then we were told that he could only authorise 10 days and he would be taken out of the register after 4 weeks and we would have to apply to the local authority for a space. When we come back beginning of September we would like him to carry on in the current school and class as it is a good school and my child is happy there. Also, year 6 is important as they will take an exam and I don't want to cause further problems. Has anyone got any advice or experience on something like this that they can offer to us? It would be much appreciated.

Wait until the summer holidays. Then you will have no problems.

It would be a short break then; the idea is to get him into a school there to improve his language.

why dont you wait til after he has done the exam in yr 6 and will be moving schools anyway ?

Again, it would be a holiday break rather than studying for a perid of time - there the schools close a month earlier than here.

Also, I'd love to hear from those who have been in similar circumstances and managed to get some kind of agreement or understanding from their school.

i don't think state schools can "officially" reserve a place, that's what we were told v clearly when we took our 2 off overseas. However, if they are a couple of spare places ie class not full, not likely ot become so in year 6 so you could take the gamble. Your local authority has a duty to school yr kids upon yr return but doesn't have to be the existing school. We took the chance as both dcs classes had spaces, cross fingers, no guarantees in life. Can i also say what a FANTASTIC idea i think yours is, great lang/cultural opportunity to be immersed fully and for a decent amount of time. Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement ExpatAgain! There is no spare place in year 5 at the moment I am afraid. Also, I will need to quit my job to embark on this project - not a great time to be out of work! I am not a risk taker by nature but I feel it is time to take some risk but not sure if I would be overdoing it.

my sympathies, have had to quit too, gulp.. Exciting but nervewracking.. If he leaves in yr 5, then he'll leave his own space, won't he for year 6? You'd be unlucky for that to be taken in such a critical yr, not many parents would want to change schools then.

Thanks for the support ExpatAgain, really comforting.