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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think school closures ignore parents' work commitments?

534 replies

OhNoItsThePinkyPonk · 23/06/2026 13:48

AIBU to think that the school doesn’t take much account of parents’ need to work? Primary school have just announced they won’t be opening for the rest of the week, but it’s OK because they’ll be sending us online work for us to do with the children, and whilst they are sorry they have had to cancel sports day we shouldn’t be too upset because they’ve have rescheduled it for a couple of weeks time. Like, I totally get they have to put the safety of the children first and if it’s too hot it’s too hot, but what do they think I’m
doing when the kids are at school, preparing beautiful dinners, ensuring the craft box is topped up, pining wistfully for the moment they come home? FFS, my job obviously comes second to my children and of course I’ll cancel planned surgeries and clinics where I need to. It’s not the emergency that bothers me, it’s the blasé way in which it’s communicated as though it’s a
minor inconvenience, not a major major f’ing headache with serious second and third order effects.

phew, that’s better. Now to go and get the little darlings…

OP posts:
MindYourMannersDarling · 23/06/2026 14:03

I have one child going to an induction day at her nee secondary school tomorrow. They have AC in most classrooms so guess what? They are still open! The other schools, including dcs', are closing early because they don't have sufficient AC. There is an answer to this problem but unfortunately it needs funding. AC is one issue and indoor space for secondary schools in general is another. A lot of secondary schools have to keep children outside during break and lunch as there isn't enough space and supervision indoors.

Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 23/06/2026 14:02

Schools will be criticised for staying open and for closing. They really can't win.

Bumble2468 · 23/06/2026 14:02

I think they should at least ensure keyworker parents are not impacted as that has wider consequences overall and we need to keep the country running!

I can see it's difficult for schools/staff/children particularly in buildings which have not been designed for the hotter climate and I assume lack of funds for additional fans / misters / reflective blinds.

The govt response that children are best off in school where they're learning or whatever is bonkers, as younger children in particular are going to struggle to concentrate.

My sons school haven't announced any measures so far, in Northern England.

gotmyselfintoapickle · 23/06/2026 14:01

I totally get they have to put the safety of the children first and if it’s too hot it’s too hot.

This is it though, isn't it?

They are not ignoring work commitments, they just think that your child's wellbeing is more important.

This almost never happens so if it does then I think it's safe to say that it's necessary.

Thehop · 23/06/2026 14:00

Safeguarding trumps convenience.

i know it's hard but heatstroke in kids is really terrifying if their building isn't air conditioned.

Ablondiebutagoody · 23/06/2026 13:58

I applaud the teachers for giving us some impromptu time off to enjoy the weather

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/06/2026 13:54

Can you do a swap with other parents and have their DC for a day and vice versa?

Morepositivemum · 23/06/2026 13:51

All over Europe they’re doing the same or closing early. It’s unprecedented hot weather, they have to look out for the children, but yes I’m screwed every time they randomly close the school!

Sartre · 23/06/2026 13:49

Totally agree and this country’s inability to deal with hot or cold weather is fucking ludicrous and needs fixing.