Unauthorised absences?

[clare458]

After years with no holidays, I've booked a break for me, dh and 4dc. It will be in December and in the very last week before they break up for Christmas.

When I first booked it I really did think they would have broken up as I went on the dates on the Christmas holiday just gone. But this year they break up on 21st not 17th which I thought.

My eldest son is yr 8 and his school probably will not give an authorised absence. All my dc have a excellent attendance record and I don't plan to make a habit of it.

They will all be out of school for 5 days. Do I inform my eldest sons head? Or make out he's ill? Has anyone else taken dc on holiday with an unauthorised absence?

I took my dc's out of school in October last year, although we were granted authorised absence. I sent letters to the headteacher, and both ds1 and dd's teachers letting them know when they would be away. Dont know if thats any help to you, but I dont think i would lie about it (i'm a bit of a wimp!!)

I would write saying you thought they would have broken up. I would say at the outset that unfortunately it isn't an option to change it now. & point out his exemplary attendance record and the fact that you do take it seriously.

I wouldn't lie about it either as I would expect the kids would probably let the cat out of the bag as it is 5 days!

I wouldn't lie, but wouldn't fret either if your oldest will only be in Y9 next dec.
On current exams i would say don't do it in y10/11 as they will have module GCSE exams in jan, but government is in process of moving them all to terminal !