is a parent entitled to time off work to attend a meeting with their child's professional?

[cornshilk007]

that's it really
have a meeting with a professional about ds (ds not attending)
am sick to death of changing my hours about to fit meetings in - am I entitled to time off?

Yes but they don't have to pay you.

right okay

Some employers do offer a certain amount of paid carers leave, so worth checking your terms & conditions, especially fi you ahve been flexible up to now.

they won't be flexible if they don't have to - guaranteed!

Hear, hear! Nothing useful to add, but I totally concur with being fed up having to organise life around meetings.

My whole life revolves around being available for meetings with professionals. I have to be at home every afternoon for the home tutor (who only comes for 10 mins as dd will not engage). Then there are school meetings, EIS meetings, EWO meetings, autism consultant meetings, etc etc aaaaaaaaarrrrgggghhhh.

I made a comment once that if I worked, I would have to give up. The reply was, "yes, a lot of parents have to do that"

lol peaceflower we live each other's life!

Well I've had so much time off recently that when school gave me a totally unsuitable appointment for review meeting I refused it. Pointed out that I had taken so much time off for professional meetings,snow days and exclusion etc... that could take no more time out of my working hours. They now have had to accomodate me for a change and I intend to ensure as many appointments as possible this year are to suit my free hours. My workplace are very flexible but it gets awkward having to juggle hours practically every weeek!

it's a nightmare isn't it? can't move this one tho'