A MUM has been left fuming over the “extreme level of pettiness” of her children’s “bizarre” school policy.
The anonymous woman took to Mumsnet and explained how she went into the school office to inform them that she needs to collect her two children at 15:05pm rather than 15:15pm because they have an opticians appointment.
Despite being just ten minutes earlier than normal, she told how they asked for “proof” of the appointment, which she didn’t have.
“They said that without it, it would go down as an unauthorised absence,” the mum continued.
“I haven’t been given an appointment card, or been sent a text or email to confirm the appointment.”
The baffled mum said she went home and rang the opticians who told her the confirmation email had to come from customer services, which they weren’t able to do from that specific branch.
Am I being unreasonable to think that this is an extreme level of pettiness from my children’s school over them missing 10 minutes at the end of the school day?
Raging mum
Sharing her dilemma, she continued: “So either we are late to the appointment or, if I pick my children up 10 minutes before the end of the school day, they will get an unauthorised absence for the whole afternoon session.”
To makes matters worse, the raging mum went on to say that it was also the end of term, meaning it wouldn’t be a full day of teaching and the kids would likely be watching films and playing games anyway.
“This response from the school is bizarre to me, it’s 10 minutes at the end of the day,” she added.
Eager for the opinion of others, she addressed social forum users and questioned: “Am I being unreasonable to think that this is an extreme level of pettiness from my children’s school over them missing 10 minutes at the end of the school day?”
It wasn’t long before she was flooded with replies, with many in shock at the revelation.
One person who agreed it’s “extremely petty” said: “After working in primary schools for 10 years I can tell you all that happens in the last 10 mins of the day is packing up, getting bags packed and belongings picked up and maybe listening to the class book for a few minutes if there’s a few minutes to kill.”
A second commented: “What a joke. Sounds like some job’s worth is on a power trip.”
A third added: “Sounds mad, have never been asked for evidence of appointments!”
Meanwhile, a fourth advised: “Take in the payment receipt afterwards or explain to the opticians when you are there.
“I’m sure they will write you something. It is pathetic I agree.”
Elsewhere, another argued it wasn’t the school being petty.
“They have to have a record for all absence. Blame Ofsted. You can send it in the next day,” they continued.
What school fines can parents receive?
THE main issue that can lead to parents receiving a fine is missing school.
Currently, it’s the decision of the local council whether or not to issue a parent a fine for their child missing school.
However, from August this year, the fine for absences will up to the school to consider – when a child has missed 10 or more sessions for unauthorised reasons.
And the fine will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days – this is issued to EACH parent.
It’s the first time the fine has been increased since 2012, and is in line with inflation.
If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, this will automatically be charged at the higher rate of £160.
Fines will be capped at two fines within a three-year period.
After this limit has been reached, prosecution or a parenting order may be considered.
According to the official government website, there are only five reasons your child should be absent from school if the school is open.
These are as follows:
- Your child is too ill to attend that day
- You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances
- Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance
- Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet
- You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school