Unauthorised absence under 5 yrs

[Positivity2020]

Hi everyone
My daughter is 4.5 yrs and has just started reception. I’m pregnant with baby number 2 and having a c section. I mentioned to the school that due to logistics of various reasons ( one of which being grand parents not being in the area ) that my daughter would need to miss school on day of my c section. They said they would have to mark it as an unauthorised absence.

Am incorrect in thinking that under 5 they cannot fine ? It’s also got me wondering what the implications of an authorised absence is even at this age

Thanks in advance for any help x

Unauthorised absence just simply means that the head can't mark it as authorised because it isn't extenuating circumstances. The heads hands are tied on this and can't just mark children authorised for the sake of it.
This doesn't mean that you'll receive a fine.

You're right that they can't fine you as she's not 5 so there's no real issue or implication there.
Sounds a bit harsh and unempathetic, though - they could definitely authorise that with a little imagination.

What is authorised then?

Asides the fact it is not fine able. I cannot get why this would be marked as unauthorised.....id love to know what their extenuating circumstances are.

You won't be fined for 1 day anyway. Just accept it will be marked as unauthorised and carry on with your life.

My DS was in Year 11 last year and he got 2 unauthorised absences (for afternoon session) due to missing registration because he was helping a teacher in another part of school. (School refused to change them). It's made not a jot of difference, and that's clearly a more important stage of his education!

We will have similar issue but grandparents will be coming up on the morning/night before c section until DH comes home. There is no visiting allowed on the ward even for DH and he has to leave once I'm in recovery (with twins by the way!) so should be home by tea time?

Why can't you ask grandparents to come over for the day since you will know the day in advance if you are having a c section??