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Original poster

Unauthorised absence for under 5

29 replies

Collienova · 10/03/2017 17:58

I'm confused about a reply slip I got back from my DDs school regarding an absence slip I handed in. It came back as absence not authorised as the circumstances are not exceptional. We've got a DS on the way and were planning a trip to Eurodisney before my DS turns 5 as a birthday treat and as a last chance before the baby comes.

I know this doesn't qualify as 'exceptional circumstances', but that's irrelevant anyway because she's under 5, isn't it?

They can't fine us, but will this go against her attendance record? It can't, can it as she doesn't legally have to be in school full time yet? Can anyone shed any light? TIA

OP posts:
Helbelle75 · 10/03/2017 18:01

It's ridiculous! I have no idea, but I despair for the education system, and I'm a teacher.
Hope you have a lovely time at Euro disney.

Original poster
Collienova · 10/03/2017 18:03

Thanks, it's not just me... I even spoke to the head teacher before I put the form in!!

OP posts:
Snap8TheCat · 10/03/2017 18:04

S/he (you've used both so unsure what you have!) doesn't need to be in school but you've enrolled them in school. You can't have it both ways.

EdenX · 10/03/2017 18:06

They can't authorise it but they also can't fine you. The absence will be used to calculate attendance.

IamFriedSpam · 10/03/2017 19:46

They can't fine you or take any action against you for a child below CSA. In fact it should be marked with an X not unauthorised.

Original poster
Collienova · 10/03/2017 22:14

Thanks for the clarification! I know I'm being a bit anal as it's only Foundatiob, but I would prefer if it didn't go against her attendance (currently 100%). Any ideas on how I can approach this with the Head?

OP posts:
EdenX · 11/03/2017 07:30

Her attendance isn't 100% if she isn't at school though - what is it you want the Head to do?

FormerlyFrikadela01 · 11/03/2017 07:36

Even if it was authorised it would still go against the her attendance surely, can't had 100% attendance if she's had time off regardless of the reason.

user789653241 · 11/03/2017 07:37

There are lots of expert on this sort of things in primary education board.I don't know if they hang around in education board.
Try posting there as well?

FiveGoMadInDorset · 11/03/2017 07:40

If she is not in school she can't have 100%attendence regardless whether it's authorised or not, same will happen if she has a doctor or dentist appointment

OpalFruitsMarathonsandSpira · 11/03/2017 07:41

but I would prefer if it didn't go against her attendance (currently 100%).

Do you want it to stay at 100%?

She's four. You've got this. Enjoy Disney!

nuttyknitter · 11/03/2017 07:44

'it's only Foundation'. I despair.

Iamastonished · 11/03/2017 07:46

Why does 100% attendance matter so much to you? Stop worrying and enjoy your holiday.

exLtEveDallas · 11/03/2017 07:47

If she is 'in' school then she is treated the same as every other child that is 'in' school. They cannot treat 2 children in the same class differently just because one is 4 and one is 5 - the children themselves wouldn't understand it.

Any absence will be marked on the register and used as a way to work out their % attendance. Your holiday is unauthorised so will be marked as such.

Hoppinggreen · 11/03/2017 07:54

How exactly is she getting 100% attendance while missing school for a holiday?
Worst thing that can happen is that she doesn't get one of those stupid certificates!!!
Enjoy your holiday and forget it

ShatnersBassoon · 11/03/2017 07:59

Once you've enrolled your child in a school, you're obliged to get them there. You could have opted out until she was 5, but you didn't so you have the same obligations as the parent of a 15 year old.

It really doesn't matter though. You're going, you'll have fun, and neither her class teacher nor the Head will be particularly bothered if attendance has been excellent otherwise.

Don't bother the Head with questioning it.

prh47bridge · 11/03/2017 08:31

you have the same obligations as the parent of a 15 year old

Broadly true but, unlike the parent of a 15 year old, you can't be fined for unauthorised absence if the child is under compulsory school age.

I would prefer if it didn't go against her attendance (currently 100%)

The only way you can avoid it being marked as absence is by not taking the holiday in term time. As others have said, if she is not in school she can't have 100% attendance. Like others, I am not clear why this is important to you.

sunshineandshow3rs · 11/03/2017 09:00

You can't have it all your way Hmm

You can't get a fine

But you want to go on holiday and still keep 100% attendance record

But if she won't be in school she will drop in attendance %

And you want the head to go against guidelines and authorise an absence that doesn't meet their criteria for exceptional

Bit whatever happens, she isn't in school 100% of the time, she doesn't get 100% attendance records.

insancerre · 11/03/2017 09:07

You have 2 choices

  1. go on the holiday and the school puts it down as unauthorised and your dc loses her 100% attendance

  2. go during the school holiday and she doesn't need to lose her 100% record

Iamastonished · 11/03/2017 14:54

I really don't get the big deal about getting a 100% attendance certificate. At the end of the day it doesn't matter. The child is just lucky that she hasn't caught any of the bugs going round school.

2014newme · 11/03/2017 15:00

How can she have 100% attendance if she isn't there? 🙄
Even if the head authorised it, it wouldn't be 100%attendance. The head can't authorise it as it's not exceptional circumstances.
What would you say to the head? "please warp time, like doctor who, so my child can be at Disneyworld and school ay the same time".
Ffs don't be that parent. Enjoy the holiday.

apotheke · 11/03/2017 15:03

Of course it will be unauthorised, the headteacher can't authorise a Disney trip! However you cannot be fined as your child is only compulsory school age from the start of the term after they turn 5.

I don't get this obsession with 100% attendance. Does that mean you will send her in if she's poorly in the last month of term, just to make sure it doesn't drop to 99%?

TinselTwins · 11/03/2017 15:07

"unauthorised" doesn't automatically = fine

You should discourage your child from getting hung up on the 100% attendance awards, they are horrible! punishing kids who've either been sick or who have parents who can't be arsed etc AGAIN by excluding them from the "I'm lucky to be healthy and have parents who take me to school every day" kids prizes Sad

Seriously. Get over the 100% fixation. It's not fair or nice or healthy!

Starlight2345 · 11/03/2017 15:13

Go enjoy Disney.

Ignore attendance.. Really get over it very quickly.. As your DC will pick up a sickness bug, possibly chicken pox or a whole myriad of illnesses that you have no control over.

IamFriedSpam · 11/03/2017 16:43

I agree with others, as much as I think attendance certificates are the height of stupidity it would be ridiculous to give one to someone who was away for a completely avoidable reason. If you think the trip is more worthwhile than the school she'll miss take her but you couldn't then ask for her attendance to be recorded as 100%!