what time do your primary dc actually go into school?

[JoeElliotsMullet]

I'm asking because at DD1's primary school the morning bell goes at 9am. The children then line up and wait (usually several minutes while the staff amble over from the staffroom) to be let in - but sometimes the doors aren't opened until 9.05, then of course they all have to troop in line by line, so it's close to 9.10 by the time they're all in the building.

I realise that staff are busy but it grates slightly when the doors are flung open mere seconds after the 3pm bell goes and they all come charging out with coats/bags already on.

I know that when I went to school we went in at 8.45 and then we'd be at our desks ready to start lessons at 9. But then I am from the past where we did things differently.

I want to email the head about it. Should I? Or am I being a twat? I know it's only primary school but feels like they're missing a life skill (i.e. turning up ten minutes before your shift starts so you can get your things away and go to the loo etc and then start work on time, not rocking up at the time you're supposed to start work and then fanny about for fifteen minutes putting makeup on I'm looking at you new girl from work)

They can arrive any time from 8.40. At 9am the bell rings, they line up and are in the classrooms about a minute later.

Key stage 1 doors open at 8.50 and class starts at 8.55, doors are locked at 9 and you have to sign in at reception after that. The bell goes at 3.05.

Key stage 2 doors at 8.40 and class starts at 8.45, doors locked at 8.50. They don't get out until 3.15. They are never out early, in fact often not even on time but it does depend on the teacher.

I would say something to the head as legally the school day has to be a minimum length of time. Now they may not be given a many breaks as other schools but it seems unlikely.

Another private school here, ds goes in at 8 straight into the building, registration at 8.15 and lessons start at 8.30

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like we are one of the short days then! They get 45 mins for lunch and no afternoon break though.

I wait about because DD1 still gets upset sometimes at going in time. It took her ages to settle into lining up last year and will still look out for me. She's P2 but one of the youngest. I do wish they'd just let them in though - they have to wait outside unless it's raining cats and dogs, or a blizzard.

It still sounds like a long day compared with my kids. All the primary schools where I live finish at 2pm until P4.

We have two bells ten minutes apart. Doors open at first bell and everyone needs to be in coat off shoes changed and in the classroom by the second bell.

treacle my Ds does 8 till 5 as standard (prep school) I have genuinely read this thread and had a total shock. Trying to juggle work around 9-2 or 3 must be horrendous!