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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

School break times when raining, is this normal ?

145 replies

likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 10:06

Hi I am a long term lurker but never brave enough to post but need some opinions on this. My dd is in P1 and basically when it is wet or raining outside the children have to sit silently with the heads on their desks , this goes for break and lunch time. Is this normal ? it seems very ott to me , I thought maybe some colouring in etc would be more "normal". Would ibu to discuss with the teacher ? I know the other p1 class is the same so maybe its the whole school but it seems cruel especially since we live in scotland and it rains alot.

OP posts:
Careca · 01/11/2013 10:49

Schools often don't mark halloween, not a prob

Heads on desks IS.

kinkyfuckery · 01/11/2013 10:50

It does sound odd. Is this every time there is wet playtime or one specific time? Could it be that one time the teachers thought the kids needed a bit of quite-time?

Hegsy · 01/11/2013 10:50

Its not the school in EK is it op? The one that was letting the religous group into classes and handing out books about homosexuality being wrong and dinosaurs never existed? I think it was........

Sounds very strange when I was in primary school the P7s were all assigned a younger class to 'monitor' during wet lunches and play times. It was great we'd play games with the younger ones, read books etc etc I loved wet intervals Grin

WilsonFrickett · 01/11/2013 10:50

Nooo. That all sounds wrong to me - especially the no talking at mealtimes bit. I went to a Catholic school in the dark ages and even we were encouraged to chat quietly (obv not to have a carry on) while eating. It's all part of the socialisation thing, isn't it? Have a word. And if this is correct, I'd give serious thought to whether this is the environment you want for your DD.

littlewhitebag · 01/11/2013 10:51

Sounds odd to me. Why don't you just call the school and ask what the wet play time arrangements are? Ask what they do as you are a bit confused by what DD had told you but don't tell them what she said. Let them tell you. I go into many schools for work and I have never seen this done.

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 10:52

Topseyt I went to catholic school and it was nothing like this hers seems to be very odd, They done nothing for halloween and so far have showed no signs on anything other than over the top strictness as I said earlier 5 children from her class alone have moved school considering her school is very small thats a concerning amount. Think another talk with teacher or head is in order,

OP posts:
MidniteScribbler · 01/11/2013 10:52

I teach in a Catholic school. This is not normal practice, so please don't assume that all religious schools are like this.

Hegsy · 01/11/2013 10:55

this is the school I'm thinking of

Kirktonholme

BigGlasses · 01/11/2013 10:57

No it's not normal. I think a talk with the teacher is a good idea. Find out exactly what happens and why.

5 other children leaving is a lot! That is worrying in itself

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 10:58

Careca thats not to bad them happy to admit defeat on that one just seemed strange.

kinkyfuckery its every time dd has been saying it since she starte but more so this week because of the rain.

Hegsy not in ek in glasgow but that strikes me as type of thing her school would do . She came home upset a few weeks ago because only catholics go to heaven and she isnt one so got very upset. Scared to hear what else the tell them.

WilsonFrickett The lunch one was firt concern we had it seems pointless whats wrong with some chatting aslong as the are eating , I will try arrange meeting for next week and discuss things but If its the same throughout the school as friends dd says I dont see them changing things.

littlewhitebag Great idea atleat then I will know.

OP posts:
Piffpaffpoff · 01/11/2013 10:59

At ours I think at mid morning break they stay in the classroom and they have a scribble book specifically for 'wet' break. Older children come and 'supervise'. At lunchtime they get DVDs in the hall or on their class smart board.

BigGlasses · 01/11/2013 11:00

Hegsy that is a very worrying article! I really hope it's not that school the OP's DD is at

olibeansmummy · 01/11/2013 11:03

If this is what's really happening, I'd be very disturbed as I think it's actually borderline abuse, well maybe not so borderline actually...

Daddy1001 · 01/11/2013 11:04

Odd - but did you get this story from DD. Approach teacher but don't go in guns blazing, children can tell some funny stories at times.

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 11:06

MidniteScribbler Its not normal my primary was fantastic so no concerns about the catholic aspect just there unnecessary strictness.

Hegsy my goodnesss thats shocking makes dd school look great :o.

BigGlasses I will speak to teacher today need to ask her about a book anyway. The 5 children who left all moved to another school further away and not as good in ofsted reports, 2 of them where twins who live round the corner from the school and the mother said they left because the teacher, this was around the time I had my issues with her. I still see them from time to time and they are getting on much better at new school so wouldnt rule out moving schools .

OP posts:
harticus · 01/11/2013 11:07

At our school the kids run riot in the hall or have colouring etc in the quiet room during wet break.

Being made to sit with heads on desks is beyond weird.
Double check that this is what actually happens.
If it is, then run for the hills.

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 11:10

Piffpaffpoff Thats what I remember wet play being like glad I asked here now , was thinking I was being pfb or this was the norm these days.

olibeansmummy Dd hates going on wet days and I can understand why its horrible to think of her sat there in silence for so long , luckily its dry just now so hopefully they can go out and play.

Daddy1001 I wouldnt make that mistake again done it once and nursery and learned from it , its dd and 3 o her friends who have all told parents same story and friends elder dd has said her class p3 is the same. The lunch hall thing has been confirmed as I asked about it before.

OP posts:
Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 11:13

harticus I hope they are wrong and have misunderstood but sadly I dont think they are , dh was all for moving her school when he found out but she has lots of friends and is doing great with the work I would feel terrible moving her. But its been under 3 months and already had alot of issues dont think it will improve and hate seeing her so upset.

OP posts:
moldingsunbeams · 01/11/2013 11:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 11:18

moldingsunbeams they have no sand table or water table so pens and paper would be about it but still alot beter than sitting with heads on desk in silence. The monitor idea sound great though they have a buddy scheme which started last week so that could work well.

OP posts:
Summerblaze · 01/11/2013 11:18

I have recently started working at my dc's school at dinnertimes. When it is drizzle, kids still play out. When heavy rain they go into their own classrooms. Older ones talk, draw, play board games. Younger ones play with classroom play, dressing up, home corner, drawing, Lego etc. kids also talk during their lunch too.

What u r describing sounds weird and if true I would not be pleased with. Talk to the school but be cautious. Kids may have got it wrong.

NotYoMomma · 01/11/2013 11:22

we have played the heads down thumbs up game as part of indoor playtime before - caused by bad rain

could it be that? odd if its all the time though!

moldingsunbeams · 01/11/2013 11:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
likecherrycola · 01/11/2013 11:37

Summerblaze That sound much better way of doing wet play they have no play corner, dressing up ,lego or anything like that though.

OP posts:
claraschu · 01/11/2013 11:38

Our school had the policy: "There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing." The younger children, in theory, all had rain suits, so they could be out in all weather. Of course, not all of them always wanted to play outside in the rain, but it was officially encouraged (some teachers couldn't really be bothered).

I have never heard of what you are describing, and I would have a big problem with this policy.