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

There is a difference between the school authorising and ‘allowing’. You cannot be stopped from collecting your children however it may be put as unauthorised absence (unlikely if present for afternoon registration).

I would simply email the school stating you will need to collect your child(ren) at X time.

Just say you’re picking them up at X time and turn up. Legally they can’t refuse unless it’s a safeguarding issue.

They don't need proof to document it. All they have to do is write it down/add to computer record. They are not the gestapo!

The LA tells them they need to have seen proof to code it that way. As I said, why not just be honest? All it means it that they record the real reason.

Quite possibly, but it touched a nerve. I am on a crusade against people talking about UK when they have little knowledge about what happens outside England. Also people who talk about what England and English people, when they mean UK and British people. It really doesn't help foreign people understand the differences when clearly, some of us don't either.

By the way, this is meant to be an explanation, not a rant against you, @Untailored

I didn't spot it, but then I'm touchy about UK/English and British/English substitutions, so am probably looking to be offended 😃

I didn't spot it, but then I'm touchy about UK/English and British/English substitutions, so am probably looking to be offended 😃

Teacher here…as long as they are marked in on the attendance register for the afternoon session, you’re fine! (Actually, you’re fine anyway, even if you take them out prior to registration…they are YOUR children!)

However, it’s always better (in terms of attendance records) to just let them stay in school long enough to get their ‘tick’.

Don't overthink it, just send a letter or call and say you have a special family event to attend. No more details are necessary and you won’t be questioned.

What if it's an appointment for GP made over the phone? How would you provide proof?
Aside from that, just call to say I need to collect A and B at 2pm today. Thank you.

It’s really sad that this is so strict. It’s an hour. The acknowledgment on here that schools mainly just care about figures and optics (agree) is also sad. Kids go to school at four. For years and years and years, they are not allowed to leave an hour early? I’d just tell them.

The acknowledgment on here that schools mainly just care about figures and optics (agree) is also sad.

They are made to care. I'm not sure most schools WANT to have to do this sort of stuff.

It’s really not that deep. I work in a school. 🤷‍♀️