Compulsory lessons rescheduled in evening

[opalfire]

Hi
I've already ranted about this on AIBU so feel better already but having just found this section on MN I just wondered what the legal situation is.
DD's school sent home a letter saying that on the day of the open day 'because it's a long day for everyone' the DC will be sent home after registration at 1.30 but then must be back for lessons either 4-6 for yr 7s or 6-8 for yr 8s. It states that these lessons are compulsory and all must attend. Because it's busy parents must pick up at a car park nearby etc.
As a family we have several evening commitments including occasional theatre (££!). We were asked to sign a slip to confirm that we understood the arrangements not if we agreed!
Does anyone legal know what my position would be if I said 'sorry it's piano for DS then we're going to the theatre'?

Don't know the answer. Maybe you could try explaining to the school that you already have other commitments on that evening (and explain the cost), and ask on what basis the school can unilaterally change the hours?

Forgot to mention - presumably there's a process the school has to go through to set the hours of the normal school day. Would they have to go through this process again to alter it?

The process is laid out in: The Changing of School Session Times (England) (Revocation) Regulations 2011

The Governing Body is required to carry out a consultation process with parents, staff (including staff on maternity leave and long-term sick leave) - taking into account the needs of parents, transport arrangements etc.

How much notice did they give parents of this?

This is for one day?

Hi. Yes. It's given a couple of weeks notice and is just for one day. Its the principle really. The assumption that after-school commitments can just be cancelled. And that parents have only one child to cater for.

Good lord just don't send your child to school that evening

So not only ate you expected to send them to school in the evening, you are also expected to collect them after lunch?
That's a bit of a cheek
I would organise a protest with other parents and put pressure on the school to reconsider
What time is the open day?
I would be annoyed too

Open day is from 4 till 8 I think. I saw the lessons when we went round a few years ago but assumed they were voluntary. Certainly not much learning going on with hoards of people trooping in and out.
Would it be unauthorised absence legally if she couldn't go?

I suspect it'll backfire once those looking round realise they'll be expected to drop everything and take their child in for evening lessons next year - i wouldn't choose such a school.