Unauthorised Absence

The Head teacher and I met today following my attempt to persuade her that taking my children with me on a work trip was ‘exceptional circumstances’.
She did not agree.
And, although initially I was upset, after a short period of reflection I am inclined to understand why……
Being a single parent is not exceptional.
Having an ex-partner who is unable, unwilling and probably unsafe having the children over a prolonged period; likewise.
Being the sole financial provider as a single parent: standard.
Indeed my situation, far from being exceptional is commonplace.
During the course of our meeting I did have to take issue with her. She suggested I saw the trip as an educational opportunity for the children. It is this of course, but the opportunity is only a by-product of the fact that if I am to travel for work, the welfare of my children is best-preserved if they come with me.
When I first left the meeting I was determined that I would argue my case, to try to persuade her that yes, these circumstances are exceptional, but as I type this just two hours later I reluctantly recognise that they aren’t.
And now I wonder — once again — how many people reading this have children and have, as a result, had to turn down work opportunities because caring for them and getting them to school prevented them from earning the money to provide from them. And what proportion of those working parents are single, primary carers and sole providers like me. And how many are relying on benefits because the system restricts them from being more self-reliant.
Now that’s what I call one very vicious circle.
And in terms of my campaign I come full circle — back to my petition, because The Education Act only supports a limited number of parents who travel for work .
I believe it should support us all, to work in the interests of those families when parents who travel for work need to take their children. It should recognise that the experiences the children gain are educational. It should add up the positive impact such support would bring to household finances, plus the additional benefits for the wider economy….
Do you?
