to think we should demand change in our education system?

[cailindana]

If you think teachers are lazy underworked whingers, this thread isn't for you.

If you believe things need to change for the workforce that nurtures our children every day then how about we all keep our children out of school one day next year as a sign we've had enough.
A children's strike. It's their future at stake.

Well it's not a "Children's strike" if the parents have organised it is it?

I'm very happy with my children's teachers and school thank you.

I don't know what "change" you want since you didn't explain that in your post.

What kind of changes would you like to see?

The culture of control and punishment that teachers face need to change.

This article from the guardian sums it up well.

This thread in AIBU gives an idea of how demoralised teachers are.

Sorry the article is from the telegraph.

will you pay our fines? when do you propose they strike?

If practically every child is out there will be no fines.

The date would depend on a lot of different factors, I don't have a specific one in mind.

But practically every parent would never do that OP. I think the majority are happy with their child's school AND many use it like childcare. Not that it is but they work etc...and so can't take days off.

So everyone misses a day at school and the teachers have to work even harder, to catch everyone up?

what about exams? or for young children,SATS

And my children adore school....the moral at their school is excellent and the teachers are happy. The school just made it into the Times 600....is the general moral just down to a good leader?

Sorry, no, I love my kids school.

I agree things need to change. Too many schools are haunted by the Spectre of Ofsted. I think parents would be truly appalled if they saw the mock inspections, colleague observations, evidence demands and the rest - and it's trickling down into Early Years. None of it benefits the kids.

However, I don't agree that a Children's Strike is the way to go.

Write to your MP. That is the single most effective method I know. If everyone were to do it, especially in Election year, we would see them doing something about it.

I am also very very happy with my child's school. I'm not happy that my son's excellent teacher is contemplating leaving after 23 years because of the stress she's being put under, unnecessarily, by OFSTED.

Teachers have the option to strike (and have done and will do again). Parents can show their support for the strike, but what would a children's strike achieve? Children missing school would not put any pressure on the government, they have no bargaining power. If you miss a day of school, the only person you are going to hurt is yourself. By all means start a campaign to support teachers, start a petition, make some waves. But a strike is pointless.

who will pay for childcare whilst the dc strike? some of us have to work and cant cover teachers strikes as well as kids!! honestly op,this hasn't even been thought out has it?

If children stay out of school for one day it will not affect their education, especially if there are no classes for them to miss (as too many children are absent for a proper school day to go ahead.)
Children staying out would make a huge impact IMO - it would signal to the government that parents are sick of the way the education system is mismanaged.

But reading the responses I suppose, for now, there isn't enough understanding about the problems that exist.

I reckon in a few years' time when the full effect of the last few years of mismanagement are really felt, parents will feel differently.

26 if you can't plan in advance for one solitary day off then I worry about you and the pressure you're under.

I'm a lone parent with 5 dc. I work full time....thanks for that

I agree change is needed OP, I agree that teachers are worn out & demoralised. However as a parent I would say that you are asking me to take a day off work unpaid when money is a struggle anyway & that in my workplace there is only a certain number of people who can be off at any one time. So some parents would get their annual leave authorised for that day & some would not, meaning that regardless of their level of support some people would just simply not be able to leave work.

Then you are under a lot of pressure 26, so my worry is valid.

I'm sure if enough parents were on board (although I can see it's unlikely at this point) there would be some who would be happy to have their friends' children for a day, if the parents couldn't get out of work.

cailin This is AIBU, you cannot expect everyone to agree with your views or support them. I am passionate about lots of things but the education system just doesn't light my fire.

I'm less happy with my children's secondary school than I was with their primary. The pressure is heaped on now but was managed much better before. A direct correlation to the pressure the teachers are under, I'm sure. Wonder how many PPs who are very happy about their DCs' schools are referring to primaries.

Super out of interest what is your DC's school's OFSTED like?

Well that's another not thought through idea then.

Yes Teachers work had (but so do many other professions who are no less deserving of public support)

Yes they are under pressure (so are many other public servants and private sector employees)

If you think a strike by some parents (it will not have widespread support) to withhold their children from school for 1 day will make this or any government change their mind, then you really don't get politicians.

It about as much use as wellingtons on a duck, so yes not only aru you BU, you are also being incredibly naive