FEDERATION
asking for an exception just because of being a Service family. Head Teachers need to be able to apply the spirit of the regulations and to justify their decision to OFSTED Inspectors, so the more information they have about the circumstances behind the application, the better.
AND SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS “I know some military families who have had applications refused at a different school but in the same town as ours, and that school is the main one service children attend. They had to say the children were ill. Our head teacher is however, understanding of the need for family time post operations.”
“We were told that as it was about a month from the Christmas holidays they wouldn't grant permission as the holiday was close enough to be sufficient.”
“We are taking our two children out for a family holiday when their dad returns from deployment, one school granted the holiday no questions asked, and were very supportive (high school), the primary school which is on camp, and has virtually 100% forces children were more awkward. I was very disappointed with the primary school’s lack of support.”
“We are lucky in that our local primary has a massive amount of service children, and they understand that the RAF does not conform to a traditional Civvy structure of leave.”
“Was only for 2 days and was advised by our daughters form teacher to phone in sick as the head would not grant the time off.” (Not a solution the RAF FF endorses!)
“My daughter is in Reception Year. I have been OOA during summer holidays since she was born. This is because colleagues with older children are given priority. For this reason I booked a holiday in July 13 for July 14. I gave the school the reason and they said they would fine me. The school gets and extra payment of £300 because of my job in the RAF. This payment should not proceed. Why fine me as well?”
“I have not made a Holiday Request as I thought it would just be rejected, after seeing other parents fined. I just thought it would be cheaper to incorporate the fine into the price of our holiday.”
“My son will be starting school in September. I am very concerned about the added restrictions this places on already restricted families.”
“I think families should be allowed absence without being fined as having a parent away for any period of time can be very upsetting for children. If it is used sensibly I don’t see any harm, the schools should work with those parents not fine them.”
“I haven't applied to remove my child from school this term. But as I serve on a squadron I may have to if deployed at short notice. I am not happy with the schools ability to apply fines if I do, especially as my child has an excellent attendance record. Being able to have a few days away before I go, could make all the difference to family harmony and help make my wife’s job looking after the kids much better if you have had chance to spend some quality time and explain what’s going to happen.”
26
Envoy Summer 2014
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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