Consequences of unauthorised absence from school

twinkle1981_2

Really wasn't sure where to post this so feel free to move it if needed

Im wondering if anyone knows what the consequences are of an unauthorised absence from school?

My ex wants to take our wee boy away for a long weekend to visit his family, but the school is only off on holiday on the Friday, not the Monday. My ex thinks im trying to be awkward but the school our son goes to is quite strict on not taking kids out of school during term time. I just wondered what the consequences would be if my son did take an unauthorised absence? I tried looking it up online and a fine was mentioned but I don't know if this would apply for one absence. To make it worse the school is on holiday at the moment, they go back on the 18th, and the day that he would need to be off is only a week after this.

I have tried explaining to my ex but he just thinks im being overly paranoid re potential consequences of this and that the school are unduly harsh in this policy.

HappyMJ

You are being overly paranoid. 1 day isn't going to make any difference. They tend to go after the repeat offenders.

If you're talking about the Monday 25th April it's a bank holiday in England and a normal working day in Scotland. I really don't they'll worry about your boy visiting family.

pigpen

ring in sick for the day.. it is then authorised..

elisamoose

Simple answer not a lot!

local authorities can use fines but only for absences of 5 or more days . Most likely you MAY be called in and told not to do it again.If it is really a one off then try to get permission from the school.If your child has an excellent attendance record 97% or higher then you might be lucky! If you can look at the school policy and tailor your request you may get it authorized.

mrbrightside842

Just tell him that IF you do get fined, then it's him who pays.

Tropez

Ahh, I misread your post there.

I would just ask the school at the earliest opportunity for a single day off so that your child can see family. As strict as a school might be, it is unlikely that they would say no for a single day.

pulliptears

pigpen wrote: »

ring in sick for the day.. it is then authorised..

Bad idea, lying about it is never the best solution, especially when the child enthuses to pupils and teachers about his weekend away

Be honest. A day is nothing and I doubt it will cause any issues.

twinkle1981_2

The family are in England, so thats why there is the clash with holidays. I think that entire weekend fri 25th til mon 29th is a holiday there.

I will speak to the school when he goes back on the 18th and see what they say. Hopefully they will be ok with it. It will definately be a one off, I will be telling his dad in future he will have to organise holidays during school holidays like I do.

I was going to just phone in and say he was ill, but he was off ill (geniune!) a couple of weeks back and they might think it looks a bit suspicious that he is off ill again so soon.

pigpen

pulliptears wrote: »

Bad idea, lying about it is never the best solution, especially when the child enthuses to pupils and teachers about his weekend away

Be honest. A day is nothing and I doubt it will cause any issues.

I never said it was a good idea.. I said it goes as authorised then.. and a child is likely to be sick anywhere they don't seem to be picky!

I wouldn't lie.. I'd say 'my child is going away with his dad until Monday so he'll be back in school Tuesday.. BYE!'

I actually think fussing about 1 day off is ridiculous.. the school probably won't even notice.

Though.. if they have a class bear he might want to ask if he can take it with him.. they are encouraged to ask for it at our school to the bear can have adventures too

pigpen

twinkle1981 wrote: »

The family are in England, so thats why there is the clash with holidays. I think that entire weekend fri 25th til mon 29th is a holiday there.

I will speak to the school when he goes back on the 18th and see what they say. Hopefully they will be ok with it. It will definately be a one off, I will be telling his dad in future he will have to organise holidays during school holidays like I do.

I was going to just phone in and say he was ill, but he was off ill (geniune!) a couple of weeks back and they might think it looks a bit suspicious that he is off ill again so soon.

Now that is getting REALLY silly!!

Some of the children are barely ever there as their parents keep them off if they think about sneezing! I don't think my cousins daughter has done a full week of school since she started and she is now 12!!!

jackieglasgow

Monday the 25th is a bank holiday here, its Easter Monday. The schools are closed the 22nd and the 25th.

ETA - check your local council's website, I have friends in different areas of Scotland, al all of the are off on Easter Monday.