can ?

[enzio]

can unpaid leave be refused if its too look after school aged kids ?

[rehabron]

Make your request under unpaid special leave.

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

can unpaid leave be refused if its too look after school aged kids ?

simple answer is yes, but it depends on the circumstances, as there are different types of statutory leave that may apply, ie parental leave or dependants leave, so its not just a simple yes or no unfortunately

[fishtank]

can unpaid leave be refused if its too look after school aged kids ?

Yes.
If it's not deemed an "emergency" or if it's something you've had adequate time to deal with.
You have a statutory right to unpaid time off for dependants if there is an unforeseen disruption of care arrangements but it has to be a last minute thing so if you're going to need it...don't give them advanced warning.

If you need anything longer term then parental leave may be a better option but you must give at least 21 days notice, it only applies up to the child's 5th birthday(18 if disabled) and it can be refused under certain circumstances.

Time off for family and dependants
https://www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Parental leave
https://www.gov.uk/parental-leave" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[enzio]

what if its because in the school holidays you got no one to look after the kids for one week out of the holidays would that make a difference. have look to swap leave but no luck and we don't get a choice on leave.

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

what if its because in the school holidays you got no one to look after the kids for one week out of the holidays would that make a difference. have look to swap leave but no luck and we don't get a choice on leave.

On those grounds, you know about it in advance so it's not an unexpected emergency to get dependants leave, so yes unpaid leave would be at managers discretion