Can my employer 'expect' me to attend an open day at the weekend?

[purepurple]

Some advice needed, before I tell them I'm not going.
I work in a nursery 5 days a week, 40 hours.
We have had a make-over on the outside play area and there is an opening ceremomy soon which we are being told that we must attend.
I have several issues with this. I value my weekends with my family as I work full-time dring the week. On Wednesdays I go to college straight from work, so I am out of the house from 7.30 till 9.30. So, I need my R and R.
I am also not happy that we are 'expected' to attend. I have already done 2 Saturdays this year, on a First Aid course.
We will not be paid but will receive time back. That's not really the issue. I just don't want to go!
I have checked my terms and conditions and it states that we are required to attend staff meetings, outside normal working hours, which I do.
Am I right in thinking that I do not have to attend this open day and my employer cannot force me to?

mmm..I think it may be classed as a staff meeting..not sure but that is how I'd read it..I would say that I'd come in but I would need to bring my children as I have no childcare...that way you either do both or they say don't bother!

Not really sure if I would class it as a staff meeting. Staff meetings normally last half an hour, involve us all sitting round a table, being given info by the manager.
The open day is 3 hours and will be outside and all the parents are invited.
Childcare is not an issue, DD is 13, so wouldn't need looking after.
I just object to being press-ganged into doing something I don't eant to do.
I will maybe just have to lie, and make some fictitious plans.

Ah...but is DD feeling under the weather? I wouldn't leave a 13yr old ever who had been being sick in the evening/overnight..ever

I have an evil plan........................