Unauthorised absence

[Dtwart]

My son is in year 3 and we have his uncle's wedding next week. I spoke to the absence officer in May about it and was told to fill out a form and thanked me for the head's up. Anyway, they've come back to me and said it's unauthorised stating it's not an exceptional circumstance but what does that mean? We have to go the wedding, especially as they've left it so late to let us know but do I just reply saying "thanks but he won't be in", will I get fined? Will it just go on his record? Do I need to call on the day to confirm he won't be in? He's always had excellent attendance so feeling a bit meh about it.

The school has to record it as unauthorised absence for this sort of thing - his previous attendance record is irrelevant and they have no choice. But you’re very unlikely to get fined if it’s only one day. Don’t feel bad, this is normal and you should go to the wedding anyway.

@GiantTortoise thank you 😊. I really expected it to be authorised but I've no experience on the subject! Do you think I need to call the absence line on the day to confirm he won't be in? His dad is annoyed at me saying I should've just called in sick but I didn't want to lie and make our son lie too.

We went on holiday during term time which meant our son missed 1 day of school- a Friday. The price difference was so much cheaper to leave that day, crazy!

The school aren’t permitted to authorise the absence unless it is an exceptional circumstance eg death in the family, but usually in my experience they’re ok with it and I’ve never been fined nor has anyone else I know

I’d just email the school to let them know what date your son will be absent so that they have a record of it. You’ll probably be busy enough on the day without something else to have to do.

And I agree, it’s not good to encourage children to lie. I prefer your way as otherwise as parents we’re just setting a bad example

@LunaCrystal oh that's a relief! I was worried about a £120 fine on top of everything else 😊. Thank you loads.