Where do parents get off being rude to school staff?

[JackandDiane]

How do they think it's acceptable to ring up a receptionist to rant and swear and demand action. To threaten staff that they'll come down and find them if staff don't ring back by a certain time?
I simply can't imagine speaking to anyone like this. Particularly a stranger that you want to help them.
Do you shout at school staff? What do you think it will achieve ?

A teacher friend of mine is always very rude to the staff at her DCs school.

It's completely unacceptable in my view and I don't tolerate it. If anyone feels the need threaten or swear at any of my school staff then they deal with me directly. Normally after the first meeting with me they get the message that if they unwilling to treat my staff with respect then there are plenty of options I can offer them. I have, in the past, quite happily offered to support a move of school for their children if they are unhappy with a suggested resolution of any problems. I've had THAT parent demanding I call back before a set time. I'm busy, I have a school to run, meetings to attend and my first priority is the children within my school. I often spend a large part of my day supporting children in one way or another. I call back when I have time depending on the issue they're calling about. Parents are often scared, worried and in a panic over issues which can sometimes be vented in shouting, threatening behaviour at the first person they get on the phone. Thankfully, we don't get many instances of this but when we do aggressive behaviour is stamped on very quickly. I'm happy to help, I'm not happy to have my staff abused if parents are asking for my help though!

I shouted at DS1s old headteacher out of sheer frustration. I had been trying to speak to her for two days about concerns and worries, and got fobbed off again and again. She eventually rung me to tell me his ASD meltdown I was trying to warn her about would mean suspension. I shouted and ranted and cried at her.

She apologised. And the school never ever have fobbed me off or ignored me again.

I can imagine receptionists often cop the wrath that's mean't for a teacher.

ipissedofateacher

Nothing wrong with that - if you've got a grievance.

er.. sorry no

Three years ago I started working in public service and I am so shocked at how angry abusive people can be and how frequently it happens. I don't even work in an 'important' service, not adult care or child protection or anything like that.

One of the Highways managers has a rep as a good guy because he takes occasional shift on the stop-go sign at roadworks to give them a break from it. Apparently they get yelled at, driven at, bottles of piss thrown at them.

pulls up a chair

there must be millions of unhinged parents out there this term!

I put on my hard hat on when exam results come out in the Summer. I'm an exams officer......

Yes - and threatening

Well obviously it is completely unacceptable..

I know I got info beyond what I was expecting when I cried in heads office ( stress not a planned technique)

We have the loveliest office staff I cannot imagine anyone shouting at them... though can't guarantee it doesn't happen

I think you are talking about me

Do you really think the abuse of school staff by parents is so rare that you must be the person described in the OP?

It happens all the time.

Inka definitely they cop an outburst that's aimed at someone else.

I've never shouted at the receptionists. But ive cried on them countless times.

I bought them big bunches of flowers at christmas.

I think it can often be anxiety. They've got themselves thoroughly worked up so then come in all guns blazing. No excuse for it though.

To be honest though many of the education "professionals" I have dealt with regarding my children's additional needs, running the gamut of incompetent and uncaring at a basic level to downright cruel; would cause the Dalai Lama to come out swinging.

I'm not a shouter, my anger expresses its self in angry tears which is embarrassing and annoying.

But ipissed, why on earth would you think this thread is about you? Do you know who JackandDiane is in RL?

If not, it is a random and odd thing to pop up assuming her thread is about you, as opposed to all the other angry parents complaining to their children's schools across the UK today.

moving on
I think parents dont realise staff have other things to do, like teach, or meet someone else

I am a teacher. One reason so many teachers are leaving the profession, and the ones that remain are so stressed, isn't dealing with belligerent kids - we expect that - it's dealing with foul mouthed aggressive parents.

LOL

I have no idea who you are!