Surely it wouldn't be in anyone's interest for any local authority to try and fine someone whose kids otherwise have an excellent attendance record have missed 4 days of school ? Clearly all the parents have to say is that the kids were ill and thats the end of it?

There are any number of studies that show a measurable impact even for relatively short absences. The disruption spreads into the weeks before and after the actual trip, and has a knock-on effect with the other children in the same class.


I can't speak for all schools, but when I was a governor of a primary school we displayed as much flexibility as possible depending on the exact circumstances of each case and authorised a number of absences every year. We wouldn't have authorised your absence as there are no exceptional circumstances.

Only if you keep them out of the sun.

Comments like that always make me laugh. School teachers / headmasters etc all seem to think they are some kind of omnipotent beings who have the power to run all aspects of your childrens lives.

Ummm... no. You aren't.






My advice to the OP would be take your kids on the 4 day holiday. Ring the school up before you go and say your kids won't be in for a few days as they are ill. If the school get y about it on their return politely tell them they were ill, they are better now and back all ready for school again. Job done.

Can you give me some examples of what constitutes 'exceptional circumstances'?

I absolutely loathe lying but I'm getting the feeling that I might have to act on your advice.

Another fine example of how "Christian values" can be bent when it suits the believer...

Absolutely. This whole procedure was introduced to try to punish irresponsible parents who dont care whether or not their kids ever attend school ...I don't have an issue with that at all.

However as I'm sure you don't fall into that category then take them on holiday and enjoy the money you have saved.

The schools only really care because it affects their performance figures. Stuff 'em!!

How about if a paedophile inadvertently abducts your child as he/she makes her way to class?

Mind you, the child would have possibly sinned in the eyes of [iyour[/i maker, so might have to think of another one?

No it wasn't. It was introduced precisely to prevent the situation kirkstaller is seeking to take advantage of. Too many middle-class parents pulling their kids out of school to take advantage of cheaper holidays.

You're not suggesting that you'd be prepared to bear false witness to save a few quid on your holidays are you?