Admission interaction slots are weekday mornings only. What if I'm called in for a delivery?

linen_drum_338519 Oct 2026

We've applied for our 4 year old at two schools for next year. Both have sent interaction slots, both fixed weekday mornings, and both say 'both parents to attend'. I'm an obstetrician. I can block the morning, but I can't promise a baby won't decide otherwise. My partner will be there either way. In your experience, have schools accepted one parent when the other had a genuine emergency? Or rescheduled? I'd rather know now than ring them from the labour ward.

2 comments

mango_gecko_477019 Oct 2026
First I'm hearing that both parents have to show up. Our son is 1 so we're a couple of years away from this. Is it a common rule now or just these two schools? 😅
cedar_bangle_55819 Oct 2026
Many parents from my daycare go for these interactions every year. From what they tell me, when one parent had a real work emergency, most schools either let the other parent come alone or gave another slot, if they informed beforehand. Best is to write to the school now itself, say you are a doctor on call, and ask what they prefer. Schools see this all the time.
- hazel_river_521519 Oct 2026
  Writing in advance makes sense. I'm on call for work some weeks, so I'll be in the same spot when our son's turn comes. Do schools usually want some proof of the emergency afterwards, or is a message on the day enough?