Would they let my children leave an hour early due to a weekend away?

[amy12464]

We have never done this before so I don’t want to bother ringing and asking if it’s totally the wrong thing to do. We’re going away to London tomorrow straight after school as we’re visiting family friends Saturday morning for an event. Thing is 3pm is peak traffic time and it’s going to be 4 plus hours if we leave then. I wanted to ask their teachers if they could let our children leave 1-1.5 hours early . Would they consider it? Has anyone done this in the uk specifically in a primary school. My children are under 8

It's at 13:15. In every primary school in the UK. 🙄

Our school wouldnt. If you have a drs or dentist appointment they make you prove it.

I work in primary. I think you’re fine this week in particular as they’re just settling. But I would just say they have dentist.

It’s 1pm at mine.

Yes we had a boy off yesterday due to illness and today he came in and said he flew home from holiday last night. They just can’t keep it in!

I feel this thread may now be a list of afternoon registration times from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Don’t know what time ours is. It falls into the hours that I don’t need to worry about, where my children exist without my input.

Exactly. I wouldn't be asking or worrying about permission. I would be informing the school that my children will be leaving early.

Right.
I work in a school.
Primary school registration is normally straight after lunch.
We appreciate it if you just tell the truth and encourage you to take them after PM registration.
Enjoy!

Agree

We had a wedding on Friday evening and they made such a big fuss about leaving 20 mins early

It doesn’t need authorizing though, why do you think it does? You tell the school the truth and pick up your kids

It’s your child. They can’t stop you from collecting for any reason at all!

My point was how the hell is anyone supposed to know what time the OP's children's primary school holds afternoon registration when she hasn't said where they go to school and it could be anywhere - any school - in the country.

They have a dental appointment.

And then they count up all the absences and send threatening letters home about fines and court action. It’s not worth the fuss.

Don't lie, the kids may be questioned later & drop you in it.
Ask me how I know.

This ^ was my experience as well.
However I wouldn’t do it often only if it’s really needed.

I wouldn't if I was the teacher and I knew it was just for a trip. It would mean half the class doing this every Friday.

I think you need to come up with some kind of appointment, not necessarily medical but official in some way?

No , they don’t. Why teach your DC’s it’s ok to lie?

Speak to the school teacher, I’m sure it’ll be fine especially if you leave collection them until after the afternoon attendance register has been taken.

When we went for a weekend away i just said they had to leave early for an appointment to get the train and ignored their request for evidence.

Op wont miss a registration.

i filled in a holiday form earlier this year as youngest had a different easter to me and the older two. He was going to miss 2 days. They asked me, when they knew we were going straight from school pick up to the airport, if i wanted to pick him up earlier. No issues at all.

Exactly this. This way, the school gets to keep their precious attendance figures (signing out after registration doesn't impact on attendance figures). Schools have to report attendance to ofsted so they do absolutely everything they can to keep them at 95%.

Do you know what happens if they don’t authorise it? Absolutely nothing.

Aww is that the only dentist appointment you could get? That’s great you managed to get one 😉😂

My son's Junior school always asked for proof if he had to be picked up to attend an appointment. Didn't matter if Registration had happened or not!! The problem is if you lie, it's likely your child will tell someone where you've really been! It might be better to be honest - Dear Miss Teacher. I will be collecting X at 2 pm, as we will be travelling to attend a family event. Make it factual, and in the tone of 'this IS what WILL be happening', rather than asking! If you ask, you'll be told no!