DD3 (9) having no lunch time play for 6 weeks

[StarOnTheTree]

DD3 was really upset after school because every lunch time for the next 6 weeks half of the year 4s have to do jobs on a lunch time, generally looking after the younger kids, cleaning tables, etc. Her job is to get the equipment out in the playground and play with the little kids. She doesn't want to, she just wants to play with her own friends.

I spoke to the teacher who said that they HAVE to do these jobs and if they don't like what they're doing they can swap if another child agrees. Next half term the other half of year 4 will do it instead and then they'll carry on like this in year 5.

If it was just one day a week I wouldn't have a problem with it but every day other than eating lunch DD3 has to 'work'. AIBU to think that this is totally out of order?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

They need their playtime just as much as the other children in the school!

When ds1 and ds2 were prefects at primary school, they did have lunchtime duties, but it was never every day.

[fastdaytears]

Well I would have loved that at that age to a point, but I can't see why it needs to be everyday for so long. Surely it could be half of year three on a Monday, other half on a Tuesday etc. Seems really odd to block it all together.

[fastdaytears]

Sorry 3s and 4s muddled up there!

[supermariossister]

Not acceptable every day and I would he having a meeting to say you refuse permission for her to take part not sure what would happen there. Ds is 9 and play time is really important for all ages, if the younger children need supervision there should be more staff , if it's to teach the children responsibilities of having a "job" it shouldn't be every day

[InSpaceNooneCanHearYouScream]

This is ridiculous. Speak to the head and refuse.

[Spandexpants007]

I think it's fine.

[arethereanyleftatall]

Are they losing their entire playtime to these chores? Or just ten mins or so? If it's the latter, I'd say it's fine.

[StarOnTheTree]

Yes I'm definitely going into school in the morning. Apparently DD3 chose this job out of all the others but she didn't. The teacher asked her if she would do it and she didn't feel that she could say no.

Some kids are cleaning tables and some have to take the little kids to the toilets. I don't think they're kids jobs at all.

DD3 has hypermobility and is being investigated for possible arthritis but she'll feel under pressure to play with the kids even if she's in pain. At least playing in the normal way she can stop if she needs to. What a stupid thing to ask her to do

[StarOnTheTree]

DD3 is allowed 20 minutes for lunch. The rest of the time she has to be doing her job. EVERY DAY!!

[SuburbanRhonda]

As an aside, if your DD is being investigated for joint pain, now is the time to be teaching her to be confident enough to say no when she is in pain.

[StarOnTheTree]

I think it's fine.

Would you feel the same if you were told to do something that you didn't want to do in your lunch hour every day?

[sepa]

Isn't this the sort of thing the teachers/teaching assistants/cleaners etc are paid to do? I had to do this in secondary school with litter picking and refused unless they paid me. They didn't so I didn't do it. I know I sound bratty but kids work all day in school and then get homework. Lunch and break time is there time to chill out. You wouldn't work through your lunch at work so why should they do it at school?

[StarOnTheTree]

Suburban I know, it's something that we're working on but not having much luck with!

[sepa]

Oh and I have arthritis. It is very VERY painful. On that alone you should refuse on her behalf.

If she didn't do it would she still have friends to play with?

[StarOnTheTree]

I agree sepa I'm wondering whether they're short staffed

[Ragwort]

You wouldn't work through your lunch at work - plenty of us do misses point of thread entirely. I don't get paid for my 'lunch hour' but there is absolutely no possibility of leaving my place of work, or even sitting quietly (uninterrupted) somewhere, for even 20 minutes without being disciplined - whether this is 'legal' or not - and it's a NMW job. . Yes, I could leave but jobs where I live are very hard to find.

[redskytonight]

I'm guessing getting the equipment out will take 2 minutes and then she is fine to go off and do her own thing - just expected to be nice to the younger children if one comes and asks/they sit on the friendship bench or whatever similar concept your school has.

DC's school does a similar thing - the DC generally feel like it's a huge privilege and it actually hardly involves doing anything at all.

[AugustaFinkNottle]

Sounds like the school is aiming to save on staff costs by dressing this up as teaching the children to take responsibility. Children do need time to let off steam and wind down.

[Mistigri]

On the face of it that sounds extremely unreasonable.

Is the school in financial difficulties? Have they recently laid off staff? It might be worth quietly making enquiries.

[PotteringAlong]

If every other year 5 are doing their jobs, even if you complain and say she can't who will she play with?

It's fine; she's getting stuff out and playing with younger pupils. It's not hard labour.

[StarOnTheTree]

redskytonight It's in a different playground

[Leta86]

This is ridiculous she's 9, not 19... Playtime is far more important than it seems at that age and to make them do this EVERY day for 6 weeks... I'd certainly kick up a fuss... This means she'll be going 7 hours straight with a 20 min break?! I'm used to long hard shifts (NHS), but even we get a solid break every 4 hours, circumstances permitting. Go ahead and say something/do something. of support!

[Lilaclily]

I imagine it won't take long but I'd offer to help one lunch time so usually can see what is actually going on