As an ex teacher I do not have a great problem with pupils with a good attendance missing an occasional day or week from school as long as those days are not essential to a child’s well-being or they are not missing key parts of the school year. The first days at a secondary school are MASSIVE in terms of a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Routines are established, initial friendships are made and children are introduced to key members of staff and new timetables, not to mention finding their way around. In lessons they are introduced to the school’s expectations, including homework and really getting to know the form tutor. Imagine attending on the second day with no one to sit next to, not sure where to go, what to do and not know what is going on? Secondary school make a great effort to involve and integrate children on those first, all important days. He will be missing so much.
Maybe write down exactly what the child might miss if the trip goes ahead, bullet pointing what is happening on the first day. You should be able to find this out from information sent out from the school. Show this to father and son for discussion. Balance this with a carrot. Maybe your grandson could have an extra / special trip at half term or at a weekend with his father?
sticky labels on apples - remove before washing!
To obliterate your address on packaging
Tales about "stingy" guests and hosts.