Funeral: 'exceptional circumstances'?

[Elibean]

Just wondering what I should expect/argue for, really, so would help to hear what others' experiences and thoughts are...

I took the dds out of school for one day, to attend my uncle's funeral. It was very important for them to be part of that family event, IMO, and I speak as someone who has never taken them out of school for anything other than illness in 5 years.

Form not been processed yet, so no idea what if its a yes or no (I left it a bit late ), but I need to talk to myself in preparation iyswim....

It's a great uncle to them, not an immediate family member so might be turned down.

Well if you've already done it its a done deal so what are you 'preparing' for ?

It is the head - and no-one else - that decides on this.

If the head says no, ask for a meeting. Don't be subtle, be blunt.

Say something like "DDs were very close to Uncle X and I felt it was important for them to be part of the funeral with the rest of their family, many of whom took the day off work to attend. As I am certain that Uncle X will not be dying again, I would like you to explain to me why you regard his funeral as not being an 'exceptional circumstance' and would welcome your suggestion for how best to ensure that in the future other close relatives die during school holidays"

or something like that.

I'm sure (because I have faith in human nature) that it will be fine, though.

Sorry for your loss x

I'm trying to separate personal feelings from a sensible response if and when I'm told it was turned down

Yes, it was a great uncle to them, but a very close one iyswim. And I didn't specify on the form, I just put 'family funeral'.

Its a tricky area. I understand the need to turn down many applications, but at the same time all the adult family members got permission from work (including quite 'high up' Government work) to take the day off.

Thanks, Cheebame x

You have to fill out a form to take your kid out of school for a funeral?

It sounds like a police state.

I don't think absences can be authorised retrospectively. AFAIAA, you have to seek authorisation beforehand.