Head Teachers Rights

[CarrieMe]

My DS' head teacher has just said that he can refuse to physically release a child from school to parents if he hasn't granted permission for the absence. This stems from the last Friday of summer term when I wanted to collect DS 1.5 hours early to collect DH from airport. The head opened the door 2 inches while he lectured me and decided if we could go. Bearing in mind DS had 2 half days off all year I felt this was heavy handed so asked for a meeting today to discuss. He maintains he can refuse to release my child to me in school hours. Is this true??? Although I have no future plans to collect him early it makes me uncomfortable being told I could physically be prevented from having my child :-(

I did ask the class teacher and she was fine with it - she told me to let him register after lunch so it didn't count as an absence and then come get him... I didn't think to make a fuss before hand as it was just an hour and a half off on a Friday afternoon.

I hadn't anticipated him making such a big deal of it but unfortunately telling me he will decide if I can have my child or not has somewhat peeved me!!! I think it's a grand claim to be able to prevent a parent from collecting their child - I just wanted to know if it's true...

Thanks tiggytape - I'm a usually supportive parent (school trips/sewing costumes etc) so just didn't appreciate the tone from him. Unfortunately I think there are 2 types of teachers; those who feel strongly about educating kids and those who feel strongly about hearing the sound of their own voice. It appears he may fall into the second category. I don't anticipate any future issues but quite fancy my chances as he's 5'2 and 7 stone wet through! :-)

I wouldn't take it personally. Forget about it. Sounds like he was having a rant. If he's like that over this (quite small incidence) he probably will get the opportunity to rant a lot. Thus he will probably forget the details.

At the same time check the school's policy. Children leave early for all sorts of reasons, appointments etc, they should outline the correct procedure - & he didn't refuse in the end....

Sounds all a bit unnecessary. But actually, the teacher was out of line telling you to come and get him after registration.
My Head would go berserk if one of us did that. All such things have to go through the office.