Ex is against the children returning to school

[firstmentat]

The children live with me full-time (and an order made as to their residence), ex has very sporadic contact, and lives quite far away (in a different country, I think).
He wrote a lengthy email to the school saying that the children won't return to the school on the 1st of June, and another one to me saying that he forbids me sending them to the school, exercising his parental rights.
I will obviously call the school tomorrow but has anyone been in a similar situation? It is a send to school or lose job situation for me unfortunately.

Wouldn't he have to take you to court to stop them returning? As primary parent I think he would be laughed out of court with his "sporadic" contact and living miles away...

Sound like he wants to try and exert control over you than be interested in the DC welfare?

I’ve never been in the situation.. and I don’t have kids. However, you are the main carer and do what you have to do for you and your family unit. You have to return to work to support your family. He doesn’t get to decide as he is not caring for his children.
I am a teacher by the way. Schools won’t ever be 100% safe. There will not be social distancing. We are in a really difficult situation and feel for parents having to make the difficult decision to send their children into school environment. He cannot decide this for you. It sounds like he’s trying to be controlling but unfortunately he gave that up when she didn’t have shared care with you (for whatever reason)

Yes, there are massive control issues from his side. I just wonder what is the official perspective on this matter. Some case law seems to suggest that both parents' consent is needed for the children to attend a particular school (or the court can decide in best interests of the child).

But this is the schooling currently offered to your DC and if he doesn't agree he would need to take it to court. You haven't changed their school etc the LEA has implemented them.

Seriously just ignore and take your DC to school. He is willy waving and hoping you feel too intimidated to act against it without legal advice etc.

How old are the DC and do they contact your ex?

@RandomMess
Reception and Year 1, they do not contact him (but I don't prevent contact, he just cannot be bothered).

Well how long will it take him to find out that you've "dared to go against his demands"?

🤷🏽‍♀️

Send them to school. He would need to apply to court to stop you. It isn't going to happen.

Send them to school as long as you speak to the school I'm sure they will be happy for them to attend