To think that it is the job of the lunchtime supervisors to clean the lunch hall, not year 6 pupils?

[tulpe]

DS came home from school today telling me that there has been a new rule implemented for lunchtimes. Apparently, each week two year 6 pupils will sweep and clean the floor of the hall at the end of lunchtime. Poor DS was almost sick after being one of the 2 chosen for this week.

I find it appalling actually, tbh. Not because I think "oh precious DS shouldn't be clearing up" but because it is hardly fair to expect 2 children to clean up after 100 children have eaten.

AIBU to think that this is a job for the lunchtime supervisors and not two 10/11 year old children?

AIBU to tell the headmistress that DS will not be doing this job this week nor for the remainder of his time in the school?

It seems like it is a way of teaching the children some personal responsability by giving them a task that they are able to do to keep their school looking nice?

Can't see a problem tbh.

I wonder if they also want to encourage the children to be tidier by seeing what a big job it is to have to clear up after 100 children?

Why are they doing it? FFS I need to do a risk assessment at work for adults using a sweeping brush, mop and wet floor sign and full COSH training and chemical awareness
YANBU.

If they had a food fight or similar I agree they should brush the floor but what about play time outside etc?

I'm surprised they're doing this-it seems like a good wheeze by the midday supervisors though to get rid of a horrible bit of their job

YANBU
the children are not the cleaners.
Have the staff had their hours cut?

Secret - IKWYM with regard to responsibility. But in that case then all the children should take a turn, no?

canyou - ITA and this HT is always going on and on about H&S issues......the children are unable to play with skipping ropes in the playground but its okay to pick up other kids' crud?

snice - ITA

Bunty - not as far as I am aware.

each child will be doing it though- it is rota based?

I don't think I'd have minded if DD had had to do this. AFAIK last year in yr6 they cleaned off the tables (she only mentioned it in passing this week) don't think they had to do the floor but I don't see why it would be a big deal (so long as no-one had been sick, obviously).

no - just year 6 pupils only.

(has no idea what ITA means but hopes its ok)

snice - I Totally Agree :)

YANBU - also many of these children will be stressing about secondary transfer and tests for new schools until early in the New Year. They need their playtimes IMO.

thankyou

This task will presumably cut out a lot of play time too.

Tulpe I have spent hrs today doing training plans for staff on what chemical/spray to use on what surface. It is H&S gone mad but if staff need it then so do the children for insurance, also does insurance cover children on cleaning duty? My office staff cannot clean the canteen tables as they do not have the training

I wouldn't have a problem with a bit of sweeping - maybe it will teach them not to food fight or be messy.

A bit of personal responsibility won't do them any harm - you complaining that your ds was 'almost sick' is a touch precious

It's food, recently dropped, tell him to get over it.

Why was he picked first out of interest? Is his name at the beginning of the alphabet?

If it will be taken in turns get him to suck it up, we all have to do less palatable things in life.

God it sounds like Annie! Teach him the lyrics to Hard Knock Life and have him call out "Miss Hannigan!" every now and then in a whiny tone of voice!

I wish you hadn't written 'tell him to suck it up' Laurie:)

It seems a bit much to have 2 children do this and give up a week's worth of fresh air and exercise. Am all for teaching children responsibility so a better idea would be to have a rota, so assuming a class of 30, once every three weeks two of them were assistants to the lunchtime supervisors, but imo it is also part of the lunchtime supervisor's job. Better yet, how about the pupils at a table can't leave until all their mess is cleared away - simples.

Laurie - yes our surname is at the beginning of the alphabet so quite possibly the reason.

I do understand your viewpoint but we all know that it won't just be food that has simply been dropped. It will be half chewed bits, smells etc. We are talking about reception age up to year 6.

I wouldn't want to do the job much less expect the children to do so.

Dinah - I think the table-based responsibility is an excellent idea. There will also be more direct peer pressure to ensure that children think more about the mess they are leaving. Will suggest this as an alternative :)

Could you say you are willing for him to give up his playtime once, but not all week.
Therefore he has finished his stint already.

Surely other parents will complain too?