Unauthorised time off school -advice

[Ris2011]

Hello

Has anyone taken time off with younger children (under 7 years) that the school didn't authorise? If so, what was the outcome? Did southwark fine you?

[Pickle]

Yes, a few times for travel to visit family in NZ. We've never been fined.

[Passiflora]

You could check the school policy on this with the office for advice?

It takes a lot to get children into schools these days, only to take them out again!

[izabellabrad]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/320889104722130/

http://www.jmppartnership.com/school-fines-parents-must-decide/

[Growlybear]

Whether or not you get fined depends on the school concerned. In many of the schools I work with, parents who take their children out of school during term time are issued with fixed penalty notices.

[cactus]

I work across a number of primary schools in Southwark and Lambeth, in my experience, parents are fined at the school's discretion, and in consultation with the Educational Welfare Officer. A one off absence with written notice and explanation would not usually incur a penalty in most schools. However serial offenders may well end up with a fine.

I would say to all parents, try not to take your children out of school during term time unless it's absolutely necessary, and if you do, just be honest.

[Ris2011]

Thank you all for your advice. I will have another talk with the head of school to explain our situation. I understand that schools don't want the disruption of pupils leaving during term time but every family situation is different.

[wonderwoman]

We usually email the school and their response is we don't condone it but they've never fined us. With secondary it seems more strict. I don't think a couple of days here and there has a massive impact on a childs educational or psychological development. It's more that the schools attendance could result in a bad ofsted report which is what our school says. In Ireland attendance only becomes an issue if it falls below somthing like 85% which seems bit more reasonable.