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Original poster

Can I be fined? School absence

20 replies

Starpanda · 01/11/2022 12:29

It's my son's birthday next week he will be 6. I'm keeping him and his brother (7) off school for the day so we can have a day out as everything is cheaper and quieter during the week. I was going to be honest with school about the reason for keeping them off (pretty sure it will go down as unauthorised absence) but my partner thinks we will be fined and I should just lie and say they are ill. Will I be fined for keeping them off for just one day? They never have time off school and their attendance is always around 98-99%

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YerAWizardHarry · 01/11/2022 12:29

No you’ve to be off longer than one day to be fined

BlueChampagne · 01/11/2022 12:36

You are quite right to be honest with the school. They will appreciate it. Also, there will be no keeping your kids quiet about the fab day they've had with you, so lies would soon catch up with you!

Manchestermummax3 · 01/11/2022 12:41

No, you won't be fined.
They have to miss 10 sessions (morning & afternoon registrations, so 1 day = 2 sessions)
Unless you've already taken them out unauthorised this term then no need to worry.
Have a lovely day with your children! They aren't sitting exams, it won't do any harm.

Original poster
Starpanda · 01/11/2022 12:44

Yes that's another reason why I thought it better to be honest as they will no doubt be telling their friends/teachers about our day out. Thank you for the replies 🙂

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Testingprof · 01/11/2022 12:50

YerAWizardHarry · 01/11/2022 12:29

No you’ve to be off longer than one day to be fined

This isn’t true. You are unlikely to be fined but it depends on the LEA and the school from experience.

My DS had one day off and I was fined, that was his only absence that whole year.

Original poster
Starpanda · 01/11/2022 12:55

Oh no! I'm not sure on our LEA policies (I've tried Google but doesn't state how many days you can have off without been fined) I do know the school headteacher doesn't authorise any holidays though 😩

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prh47bridge · 01/11/2022 18:39

Most LAs won't fine for a single day's absence if attendance is otherwise good, but there is at least one LA that fines for all absences. If you want to PM me the name of the LA involved, I'll see if I can find their policy for you.

Original poster
Starpanda · 01/11/2022 18:49

Thank you, I've messaged you 🙂

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prh47bridge · 01/11/2022 19:09

I can't find anything definitive but the information I have found strongly suggests that you are safe. It looks like they only fine people when attendance is already low.

Original poster
Starpanda · 01/11/2022 21:48

Yes I couldn't find much about the duration of absence before been fined . Thank you for looking 🙂

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underneaththeash · 01/11/2022 22:35

I wouldn’t keep them off on his birthday as it’s going to be bloody obvious they’re not ill. Do something at the weekend instead. It’s always a good idea to not be one of those parents in case you have an actual problem in the future.

Mammyloveswine · 01/11/2022 22:38

BlueChampagne · 01/11/2022 12:36

You are quite right to be honest with the school. They will appreciate it. Also, there will be no keeping your kids quiet about the fab day they've had with you, so lies would soon catch up with you!

Just tell your kids it's Saturday or Sunday? 😝😂

cansu · 01/11/2022 22:43

You are honestly being ridiculous. What is cheaper on a week day than a Saturday?

cansu · 01/11/2022 22:44

The school won't appreciate it. They will wonder who on earth gives their kids a day off for their birthday.

BendingSpoons · 02/11/2022 07:30

The teacher will 100% know! DDs friend did this in Reception. The teacher commenced on what a coincidence it was that she had a sore tummy on her birthday! (Whether she should have said that to the class is another matter.)

Will they miss the fuss they normally get at school on their birthday though?

Original poster
Starpanda · 02/11/2022 07:36

Local play centres and trampoline parks are all cheaper on weekdays than weekends and they will be quieter too. My other childrens birthdays all fall in the school holidays so they are always able to stay home/have a day out.

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Original poster
Starpanda · 02/11/2022 07:37

I don't think school make a big fuss about it on the day. I know some of their friends take sweets in to be handed out at hometime when it's their birthdays but I think that's about it

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BlueChampagne · 02/11/2022 09:03

The school will appreciate not being lied to.

Takeachance18 · 02/11/2022 12:39

Is there a reason the place needs to be quieter? Do they not enjoy the attention at school because it is there birthday. As all the others have school holiday birthdays, money shouldn't be a reason for a day off to go to a trampoline park/play centre - go after school.

My children are disappointed there birthday is in the holidays as they would like the attention of it being there birthday and having happy birthday sung.

You may as well be honest with school 2 children off on the same day, single day with a birthday. You may get fined, depends on other factors such as current attendance, school policy, any concerns etc,, most wont, but not 100%.

Original poster
Starpanda · 02/11/2022 13:20

My children are both quite shy and don't really like large crowds so when we have been to playplaces that are really busy they tend to stay close to me and their dad and not get involved too much, they prefer it when their is only a few others there. I think I will probably tell them the truth and hope to not get a fine. Their attendance has always been around 98-99% they very rarely have time off

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