Keeping kids in from play at lunchtime.

It’s because of the year 4 national times tables test and I totally agree with you. It’s unacceptable anyway but even more so because the children who most need support probably also most need movement breaks!
My child is in year 4 and the school have other ways of supporting children who need it.

I would be glad of the extra small group tuition. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Bloody TTRS. Let school know your dc will be having their lunch break and playtime without this intervention. If you have the inclination there will be most likely be something in one of the school policies- PHSE or SEN support that will give a relevant reason.
I still use loads of the maths I learnt at school (and other seemingly irrelevant stuff) but for the life of me cannot make times tables stick to my brain)

You have far too much common sense for some parents 😂

WHY do you want to complain? Teachers can't' win.

Before school club? parents complain, too early
After school club? parents complain, not convenient, do you know how busy they are!

I have found the teachers to become a little hostile and defensive in the past
I wonder why

their lunch time is being used to teach the curriculum
it's also the teacher's lunch.. do you really think the teacher add to the teaching hours and sacrifice THEIR lunch for the fun of it? Seriously?

This.

If it was only for the children who don’t know their times tables yet, I’d be working with my child at home to help them learn so they can go and play!

I’m surprised the school hasn’t told parents their kids are behind on the curriculum re times tables
but
clearly they are focussed on additional support and helping them catch up

A lot of schools wouldn’t do this

If you want your kid back out in the playground ( assuming your kid is affected) perhaps focus on asking the school for help re helping your dc to catch up.

"How would you complain?"
Well, as a first line of action, I wouldn't "complain"

If I had a concern, the very first thing I'd do is contact the school and find out exactly what the situation is and what is the thinking behind it, before deciding to complain or not.

Seems fine if they need to learn them.

I would be a bit concerned. My DD had unrecognised SEN and never did manage to learn her times tables to instant recall (despite a lot of input from home).

I see why they are doing it, but children also need a proper break in the day.

What I kind of dislike is the way some schools seem to potter on and then overload in testing years, rather than a bit more focus throughout.

On the other hand, I can see how it is helpful for those children whose parents don't practice with them.

There’s no time in the day to teach times tables by the way, most teachers do it whilst lining up for lunch or whilst getting coats on at the end of the day etc.

It should be optional IMO but if the child doesn’t know their times tables into Y4 I think it’s imperative they catch up. For clarity I am a teacher end have two children in Y4 who aren’t fluent in all the multiplication tables despite me chanting with them, the teachers input and time on times table rockstars (seriously frustrated by it) I would just let it go tbh, it’s so important for all areas of life.

If my child needed extra tuition then I wouldn't complain, I'd just be happy they don't want to keep him after school.

However, if for some reason you don't want your child to catch up then just tell the school you don't want him attending.