Reception time off

[Mumofoneandanotherontheway]

Hi lovely people!!
Not sure if I’m posting it in the correct group or not.
My son (4) has just started reception and at the end of the month it’s my mum’s milestone birthday and we already booked tickets. I only just realised would this be an issue with the school? As when he was in nursery it wasn’t, and I really should have thought this through before we booked but I didn’t.
He’s just turned 4 a few weeks ago, and his teacher from the primary also suggested if he wanted to stay on another year in nursery he could do so, so I started thinking it’s not compulsory. I don’t know
Does anyone know what the procedure is?
Many thanks x

Don't overthink it. Call in sick. Don't do it again.

They are only of Compulsory School Age the term after they turn 5 so probably not until next September for you so you won’t get fined. Just let them know he won’t be in.

Don't call in sick.
Unless you're happy for your child to think lying is acceptable.

Don't call in sick when he isn't, especially as he might talk about the party. All it does in make life harder when dealing with genuine illness and not being believed.

He doesn't have to be in school at all, as he is still below CSA. But as you have chosen to start now, yes he is expected to attend. But as pointed out earlier, you cannot be fined. But other attendance management measures can be used - but they won't be for a single absence.

But you don't say how long an absence you need. Lengthy bsences in the first few weeks of reception are not a good thing, as they can affect settling in quite badly. So I hope it's just a day or two.

Agree with meditrina.

Thank you for all the replies. I definitely wouldn’t call in sick, as when he goes back he would probably talk about it & I don’t want to teach him lying is okay.
It’s 5 school days. He’s quiet well with settling in & always has been since first year of nursery.

I really should have thought this through before booking the holiday.

There should be a copy of the school’s Attendance Policy on their website. This will outline the process for requesting absence. It is likely that it will be unauthorised which means you can go but it will be noted as unauthorised absence. This would only be a problem if you keep doing it. Five days absence is quite a lot for a reception child - be prepared for the fact that it may unsettle him.

He’s not of compulsory school age so it’s fine. Just inform the school of the absence.

It can still be unauthorised, even if the child is not compulsory school age. Better to get into good habits and ask the school rather than tell them.