Consequences of unauthorised absence from school

Derivative

If this is a state school, I wouldn't worry about it, not in the slightest.
I must have had about 10% unauthorised absence in secondary school. Nothing of particular note occured.

I wouldn't advocate that (it was my reaction to a frankly awful school), but a day or two here and there won't even raise an eyebrow. Just make sure he gets any homework that's set.

ellay864

For one day, to visit family I'd say just go for it. These holidays are a real pain as different schools have different holidays. My friend's kids are off school last week and this week; my kids, 10 miles away from hers are off next week and the week after. But because they're on hols for the royal wedding they got a day off in lieu 2 weeks ago.
My ex and I often had to go through what felt like military planning, as his stepdaughter had different hols to my lads so they had to juggle their summer hols to take all 3 kids away together.
Also I'm assuming your son is quite young (as you call him wee boy) so isn't at critical GCSE stage or anything. One day may go as a bit of a blemish on the record but in the overall scheme of things won't damage him

babyshoes

Working in a school, I know how much leeway you will get before a fine is forthcoming - it is a lot. The absence rate has to be huge (we are talking well over 20%) before there is a fine, and you get warnings before that anyway.

It may be a bit stricter in Scotland, but one day is unlikely to get you more than a finger wagging type call or letter from the school, if that. I would call them out of courtesy and let them know he won't be in. They may or may not authorise it, but at least they then know where he is. If it makes you feel better, ask for some work to be sent home so he can catch up.

stejobeth

These Easter holidays have been a right pain! My daughter was off last week and this week and what with the Royal Wedding and inset days she is only actually in school for 6 days this month!

gregg1

stejobeth wrote: »

These Easter holidays have been a right pain! My daughter was off last week and this week and what with the Royal Wedding and inset days she is only actually in school for 6 days this month!

Schools are not meant to be babysitters! And the inset days everyone keeps referring to were actually originally taken out of the school holidays, NOT in addition to the holidays so pupils are still in school for the same amount of days they are meant to be and have always been.

twinkle1981_2

jackieglasgow wrote: »

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.

According to my local council website the schools here are back on Monday 25th but I will double check with the school as its not the first time the local council website has had the wrong dates down.

twinkle1981_2

Thanks for your replies everyone. :beer:

pulliptears

gregg1 wrote: »

Schools are not meant to be babysitters! And the inset days everyone keeps referring to were actually originally taken out of the school holidays, NOT in addition to the holidays so pupils are still in school for the same amount of days they are meant to be and have always been.

Bit harsh, dont see where stejobeth said she expected that And actually, there is one extra day due to the wedding holiday.

NEH

pulliptears wrote: »

Bit harsh, dont see where stejobeth said she expected that And actually, there is one extra day due to the wedding holiday.

Our council here have made the decision the wedding holiday can't be afforded so schools are open...

ali-t

elisamoose wrote: »

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.

Where do you live that people can be fined after 5 days absence?

where I live, after 3 days unauthorised (if the school notify the attendance service) you will get a knock at the door checking out why the child is off school.

There are lots of children with less than 50% attendance who don't face any real consequences let alone getting fined.