So if DS (Reception) has to take a day off in Jan for a family occasion

[Twiglett]

Do I have to request permission in advance from the school?

How does this work then, anyone?

Yes you have to request permission. Ask at the office for a form.

If he is off for any reason other than sickness, you need to get his absence authorised. If you apply for this one day, you then cannot apply for any other absences in that school year.

Wouldn't it be easier just to take a sickie?? Not that I'm suggesting you do, you understand!

No I'd prefer it all to be above board and don't want to teach him to lie to get his own way IYSWIM

At our school having one day off (authorised in advance) would not prevent you from having further days off later in the school year.

same here roisin

I think that if a child is not yet 5 they are not obliged to be in school yet so the "legal" stuff doesn't apply. so i was told.

Twig, thanks so much for asking - I am in exactly the same position! ds restarts after xmas on the thursday and I need to take him out on the Friday for a family wedding.

Is it for your birthday, Twig? Thought that was today?