Mum divides opinion for calling in sick to take her kids on holiday in term time

A WOMAN has split opinion after revealing she lied to her children’s school in order to take them on holiday during term time.

She explained how she informed the school that her children had a “sickness”; before heading on holiday with her family.

She admitted to lying in a post on Mumsnet, where she divulged how she felt like a “criminal”; because of her actions.

She said: “Before anyone decides to go hard on me, I have never lied about kids‘ sickness before.

“I don’t know why I did it this time, I guess money is tight, we worked hard to be able to afford the holiday, but still could not afford the holiday in half term, so we decided to take kids out of school for 3 days.”;

After she reported her children’s absences, the school called the mum’s mobile the following day.

She added: “I did not answer, [I] just sent them a message instead. But they replied [saying] they got an international ringing tone....ooops... I did not even reply to that.”;

When they arrived back in the UK, there was a letter waiting for the mum suggesting that she’d lied about her children being unwell.

She continued: “I don’t know what to do, I hate lying and I regret not telling the truth, but has it gone too far now to just admit I lied?

“I feel like a criminal, like I did something unspeakable. But I only allowed for my family to have a wonderful time together, we has such a great time, it is really priceless.”;

She finished by saying that her children are doing great academically and their attendance was above 95%.

Most users had little sympathy for her on Mumsnet, with some saying “you lied and were caught out.”;

One person wrote: “You have behaved very badly and given your children a very bad example,”; while another added: “I’d own up if I were you and apologise, trying to claim you weren’t away when you clearly were will just ruin your relationship with the school.”;

Others tried to see the lie through the mum’s point of view, with one person saying: “It’s your choice and if you can’t afford a holiday in school hols then this is what you have to do. School isn’t the only place that kids learn.”;

Can I take my child on holiday in term time?

Taking a child out of class during the school term is at the headteacher’s discretion – schools will follow governing regulations coupled with their own decisions.

But it will only usually be in exceptional circumstances, like family trauma, illness or a family member passing away.

If you’re taking your child out of school, you will need written consent from the head teacher approving the leave.

How can I persuade my child’s school to allow holiday leave?

You should send a holiday request letter asking permission to the headteacher with the reasoning behind the requested absence.

If you do have exceptional circumstances you could try asking the teacher if there’s any school work you could take with you.

What happens if I go away anyway without permission?

Your local council can give each parent a fine of £60, which rises to £120 each if you do not pay within 21 days.

If you do not pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted for your child’s absence from school.

Prosecution can lead to fines of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence of up to 3 months.