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Parenting

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Original poster

School fines

37 replies

Smilelikety · 29/03/2023 12:01

Hey! im looking for a little advice

Im looking to take my son out of school for about 10 days for a holiday trouble is i already have a fine so i would need to pay that do you think i would receive anything if i took him out of school again?

OP posts:

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MarchMadness23 · 29/03/2023 13:20

It doesn't sound like his school are very supportive of his MH issues if there fining you for him being a bit late!

Do they think he/you are making it up?

if it's a holiday can you not change the date? Is it the cost?

MotorOilHeiress · 29/03/2023 13:23

Anonhopingforbaby · 29/03/2023 13:02

Just take him out. No education is worth his mental health.

My sister and I used to miss 2+ weeks a year, every year. Before fines etc., when parents were allowed to do what they wanted with their children. I'm a solicitor, my sister is training to be a solicitor. We both have law degrees from one of the top law schools in the country. He will be fine.

Exactly. And good on you and your sister.

I was home educated due to physical ill health. And got some gcses then an a level then later in life a 1st class hons and part of a masters.

It seems socially accepted to do that if its a physical illness but not a mental health reason. Society is backwards.

Anonhopingforbaby · 29/03/2023 13:31

@MotorOilHeiress

Exactly. I now have a great work/life balance and my sister has grown up to be well adjusted, intelligent and an amazing person. People forget school isn't the be all and end all.

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bijouxtt · 29/03/2023 13:35

@MotorOilHeiress I agree with you !

Ohdearwhatnow4 · 29/03/2023 13:42

If year 10 won't he be doing his exams then?
Totally get mental health is more important, what support is he getting for his mental health, does he have a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or anything? The reason I ask is because if he does you can argue the first fine as long as you can prove
A, your doing everything you can to help him
B, You have a professional that can validate his mental health
C, his teachers saying that he's doing his best.
I hope he gets better but please seriously consider not going on the holiday as its giving him the wrong impression, as he might think I don't need to try hard as I'll never catch up

SheilaFentiman · 29/03/2023 14:16

You shouldn’t have got a fine for being late, or was that on top of a lot of things?

mamnotmum · 29/03/2023 14:49

It might affect his mental health if he misses such a large amount of school for a holiday too. That's a lot of catching up to do.

I take my children out of school for 5-10 days each year other than their year 6, 9,10,11. They wouldn't get a family holiday abroad otherwise. But I won't take them out in the years I deem important ones.

I'd reconsider a holiday over his final weeks in year 10 - you might be affecting his grades or he might miss his mocks.

shard5 · 29/03/2023 15:04

Consistent unauthorised lates can also incur a fine

Original poster

Smilelikety · 29/03/2023 15:47

MotorOilHeiress · 29/03/2023 12:59

@Smilelikety is home education not an option? Is there a local college that accepts 13yr olds to 16yr olds to do foundation level and vocational/btec?

if a child is struggling with mental health and missing school it becomes a cycle. Break the cycle and support there health first and foremost. There is too much focus on attaining GCSE as if its is the only way to a good future. You have your life to learn/re train/change careers. As long as the basics of education maths/English are achieved there is no stopping them doing more qualifications in the future. No child will learn if they are suffering.

Hey! thank you so much for your advice Me and my husband have spoken about it and we are going to look into home education. Hes a smart kid and he is only about a level under his predicted ( which are all high ). This is a holiday of a lifetime and i dont want him to miss out. Youve been so helpful <3

OP posts:

MotorOilHeiress · 29/03/2023 16:12

I have sent you a PM.

Lipe1987 · 10/03/2024 01:15

I have asked the school for expeceptiional leave for 3days as I need to attend a family wedding ( my sisters) . They have refused it and said the have passed it the the local authority to fine me. What should I do?
Two child means £240 for going to my sisters wedding.

Rachel1509 · 10/03/2024 01:22

A fine would be on the lower side of penalties. You may very well find yourself prosecuted as you’ve already had a fine. That is would mean a court hearing with a school attendance order and a criminal record if you’re found guilty.

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