Taking Children out of School in Term Time

peachyprice

double_mummy wrote: »

most places its £60 per day over 5 days so would only be £60 per child

any reason you cant just go for 3 days?

No, the penalty notice period kicks on after 5 days absence but the penalty will be for the entire period of absence, there is no 'free' 5 days.

Take 5 school days out = no fine
Take 6 school days out = £ 360 fine

sneekymum

How about paying someone £60 a day to house-sit and take children to school. Then you can enjoy a nice break without them.

pollyanna24

TonyMMM wrote: »

Then go to the "legal bit" ceremony over here - that is the real day they get married. What happens abroad is just a party made to look like a wedding.

Again, this is true. And I think I am being a witness to this bit. And her brother the other witness. And they have parents, and my kids and that's it.

As much as I'd like a holiday, I am thinking that I'd rather take them (at 6 and 4) to Butlins for less money and hassle, but as I live with my brother at the moment, not sure I could take the fallout if I don't actually attend this big do in Greece.

pollyanna24

sneekymum wrote: »

How about paying someone £60 a day to house-sit and take children to school. Then you can enjoy a nice break without them.

And also expect the house sitter to feed my kids and attempt to put them to bed and put up with the general stroppiness of young children?! Hmm...

gayleygoo

pollyanna24 wrote: »

Again, this is true. And I think I am being a witness to this bit. And her brother the other witness. And they have parents, and my kids and that's it.

As much as I'd like a holiday, I am thinking that I'd rather take them (at 6 and 4) to Butlins for less money and hassle, but as I live with my brother at the moment, not sure I could take the fallout if I don't actually attend this big do in Greece.

He might be disappointed if you don't go, but he has no right to fall out with you for not going! Missing a few days of school for a wedding abroad might be acceptable to the principal, but 6 days, particularly at an important time of year for your children in settling in, is a bit much for him to ask.

Might it be possible for you to go, and have someone else mind the children? Would save you lots of money in flights, and with the money "saved" you could get the more expensive flight home earlier if necessary. If it's going to cost lots extra to arrange, then suggest to your brother that he pays it, since a) he is arranging a party in Greece, and b) he really wants you there while you'd be happy to attend the registry office ceremony here. If your daughters' father isn't around, it's not fair of your brother to expect you to cough up lots of money and drop other priorities.

Mojisola

pollyanna24 wrote: »

As much as I'd like a holiday, I am thinking that I'd rather take them (at 6 and 4) to Butlins for less money and hassle, but as I live with my brother at the moment, not sure I could take the fallout if I don't actually attend this big do in Greece.

Get the request form into the school and then show the refusal letter to your brother - it's not your fault you'll miss the party, the school won't give permission.

pollyanna24

Read through all the replies and thank you everyone.

I think it's gotten to the point where they would be angry if we didn't go as it's all they've talked about for months, and with the assumption that we would all be going. It's just the more I think about it, the more hassle and money it is going to cost.

They knew we had an issue with the cost which is why they offered to pay for the accommodation and this has now been done (a three bed villa with a pool), so we only have to pay for flights. I'm refusing to hire a car out there because 1. it is more cost and 2. I've never driven on the other side of the road before!

It is towards the end of September. My youngest already attends the nursery, so it won't be as huge an adjustment as what it could, i.e. she will know most of her classmates and maybe the teacher.

Must admit, you are all making me think of not going now! It was just assumed we were as he is my brother and it didn't occur to me to refuse to go.

pollyanna24

My children are playing a part in the wedding though, but not sure if this matters too much.

The oldest is flower girl and the youngest ring bearer and their dresses have already been bought.

Mojisola

pollyanna24 wrote: »

They knew we had an issue with the cost which is why they offered to pay for the accommodation

So will you be able to pay the fine within 21 days (before it doubles)?

If it isn't paid within 28 days, you will be prosecuted.

Spendless

pollyanna24 wrote: »

Must admit, you are all making me think of not going now! It was just assumed we were as he is my brother and it didn't occur to me to refuse to go.

Please don't make the decision not to go just based on the opinions of internet strangers, which is what we all are. You make the decision whichever way you decide, based on what you know about your own family and children. You didn't ask us if you should go, you asked how to ask the school about it.