To expect DS's After School Club not to be sarcastic about me being the last parent to arrive?

[Deludinoid]

It's not so much the comments to me but to him or in front of him. All started when the club switched over from a 6pm finishing time to 6.15pm because parents with different children at different clubs would not be able to get there by 6.

DS, just about to turn 10, only goes three days a week. I found out they had extended the closing time on his first day back there after summer hols and did say it was also easier for me as I wouldn't have to rush back quite so neck-breakingly after I left work at 5.30. Second day back I got there about five to six and DS was last one there, playing on the Wii. Manager G said to me quite loudly in front of him and everyone "Even though we do open until 6.15pm just to let you know he has been on his own for the last ten minutes and I think he finds it a bit hard." Well what on earth do they expect me to do beens as that has always been my normal picking up time and nothing was said til now? DS is pretty chilled generally and was fine, happy to have the Wii to himself and just embarrassed to have been made a point of focus so why the guilt trip? Later on he told me that G had snidily said to him a few minutes before I arrived "Your mum will be here in five minutes. Or maybe fifteen."

Now every time I arrive the last one there (but never after six, I'm too scared) which is probably about half the time there's a snidy comment in front of DS. The other day I was the second from last to arrive and G said in a mock celebratory tone "Hooray, good timing Charlie, you're not the last one here!"

To my mind this complete non-issue for him is potentially being made one by her sarcastic remarks when if anything the club should be offering a reassuring environment. It's not like I'm any later than the time I pay for and they are open until, and even if I am they should be talking to me not possibly making him feel bad.

I want to say something but she is one of these people who constantly interrupts. Really wish I didn't have to rely on them.

[heifer]

I would say that I'm sorry I thought you were open to 6.15....

Very rude imo sounds like she just wants to go home early...

don't worry about it, it is not as if you are late everyday... just later than the other mums...

[Neverenough]

Hi, that sounds awful, I remember when we used to rush to get ours at 6pm and they'd be the last two there, coats and hats on, with a staff member sitting there looking at her watch.

Don't tolerate it.You must say something imo. Point out that they advertise that they are open til 6.15 and that therefore you are entitled to use their service as it is offered.
If this woman is the manager who is the owner? You could write to complain.
YANBU. Someone has to be last. This person clearly has a chip about being made to stay later than she wants to. Tough. Her problem.
Good luck.

[LittleBella]

Tell her if she makes one more snidey remark like that, you'll report her to OFSTEd. And ask her exactly what her problem is. You're not turning up late, you're turning up before closing time.

Absolutely outrageous and uncalled for. She sounds like a bitch who is resentful that she has to stay an extra 15 minutes.

[bozza]

I think she is trying to pressurise you into an earlier pick-up so that she can go home early. Obviously not on. I would follow it up.

[WestCountryLass]

I think you should have a word. Just say you want a word and take her to one side and say that every time you pick your child up she is making comments about it and you would rahter she stopped as the afterschool club is open til 6.15 and you are paying for the privaledge. If she tries to interrupt, jsut say you have not finished and if she continues making comments on it, complain!

[HonoriaGlossop]

How unbelievable! It almost sounds as if she doesn't agree with him being in the after school club, as if she thinks you're a neglectful parent for having him there - utterly bizarre, being as it's her job.....

I would face her on this actually. The next time she makes a comment, say something straight away; rehearse it! I would tell her that you find the comments on your arrival time rude and unprofessional and they are unsettling your child.

I can't get over that woman! I'm angry for you

[Rachmumoftwo]

If a child is there alone surely the adult can then give them some attention so they don't find it hard? Makes sense to me. I would complain.

[southutsire]

Next time she does it, if it was me I would just respond calmly "These sarcastic comments to me and my son are not on. Either you are open till 6.15 or you're not." She sounds very manipulative.

[Deludinoid]

Thanks girls, really helped to get it off my chest and get a bit of objectivity from you. Heifer, this is the thing, I'm never late and in fact still always arrive at or before six, 15 minutes before the new closing time. Half of me thinks I might start getting there at 18.14.50 now though!

Neverenough, it is a charity run by a committee and board and I get the feeling it is a bit cliquey, scratching each others backs etc.

LittleBella, perfectly summed up and great idea to use Ofsted.

I've decided the next snidey comment will be met with a calm "Can I have a word G?" and once I've pulled her aside just tell her, no arguments, no interruptions that if she has problems with my time keeping to talk to me alone and properly about it.


Thanks again

[KatyH]

If I were you I would make a concerted effort to turn up at 6.14pm every evening...and if I was any earlier I would conspicuously stand outside before going in

[KatyH]

oops...great minds think alike!

[Deludinoid]

Sorry missed some posts while doing my reply. I prefer your suggestions to mine WestCountryLass, HonoriaGlossop and Southutsire. You're right she does need to be faced.

Thanks so much.

[Deludinoid]

KatyH - love your suggestion about conspicuously waiting outside before the last minute. Ha ha!

[Deludinoid]

By the way Neverenough . It's just not on is it?