To ask what happens if you don't home school?

[Chalkcheese]

What does happen if you don't homeschool during lockdown? Is it mandatory? Is it enforceable? Could someone be reported to education welfare or social services? Or is it voluntary?

Isn't it all just about communicating with the school. Most people can do a little bit a home and do their best. If you let school know they can work with you .
My ds schools been brilliant , we are kept upto date with what he does etc and provided with emails to contact if any issues. Just a case of working together.
He is yr 11 so doesn't need my help ,but he knows he can only go on pc/xbox if all school work is done.

OP there is, and has always been, a legal duty on the parents to ensure that the child is getting an appropriate education. Usually most parents delegate the day to day educating to the school, but the legal duty still always rests on the parents. If someone just decides not to educate their child then absolutely that is illegal and they could, and probably would, get into trouble for it.

That does not mean you have to let the school call the shots while during lockdown the child is at home. It does not mean you have to be on zoom when asked, or that you have to send in work requested. But you do have to keep on educating the child.

@hansgrueber

You'll have the opportunity to spend the rest of your child's school career criticising teachers for your failure to support your child.

I don't see the link between someone struggling to support their kids online work and criticising teachers.

People aren't saying oh evil teachers bah bah bah

They are saying this is difficult for my me or my family

Don't be so bitter

@Maryann1975

Dds teacher has put a note on teams to name the children who have not submitted all of the work. I know that one of the children lives with her single mum who is a critical worker (Social worker) but can work from home The majority of the time. Last time they really struggled to get any work done With the dc, so I assume it’s the same this time. Yes, she’s entitled to a school place, but she has chosen to keep her child at home, but obviously little work is being done as she needs to work to keep a roof over their heads. I don’t know what the answer is, but I did feel for her being called out for the work not being completed as I bet she is massively struggling for time at the moment. The way the message was written was that attendance and completion of all work was compulsory and they expected it all to be caught up on ASAP.

Ok that is bad.

To publicly embarrass and I reckon try to use parental peer pressure. I would be speaking to the head about that. It is a matter between the school, the child's parents and the child. Not something to announce to the class and parents

@Norwayreally

I have 5 DC and I make sure my three primary aged DC do all of their work every single day, they usually do extra on top of the work provided by the teacher’s. I am fortunate to have a device for each child plus one of my own and a printer, crafts, plenty of books and stationary and a garden so I do realise how privileged we are. What I don’t accept, however, is using the amount of children somebody has as an excuse. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m making sure they’re educated to a decent standard because they need it.

My DC have a zoom meeting every day with the teacher to catch up, there’s usually at least 10 pupils missing from said meeting (the ones in school sit with the teacher). We have to like the timetable post every day and that acts as a register. We’re also expected to upload proof of their work every day. No idea how many are adhering to it but I should hope all are.

It’s nothing like the last lockdown when everything was sort of thrown out of the window and we were mostly asked to exercise and bake banana bread. The teacher’s are setting work every day, parents should respect their effort and put some in themselves.

Genuine question from a struggling parent of 5 and 6 year old - how do you get your 3 primary schools children to actually do the work? I've tried so many things but they refuse or cry or take ages and then stop as soon as I turn to help their sibling. Plus I'm trying to work from home too. I've tried positivity and goals, bribes, shouting, laid back approach, strict approach, having stuff so ready the night before... nothing working

Luckily we don't have any Zoom, Teams registration, I guess registration is when the first piece of work is submitted. So far we have kept on top of the work set, but I do feel overwhelmed first thing when I see all of the activities.

School haven't stipulated how much work we should do, but they did say we are obligated to complete it. We are very lucky that we're able to get the work done, however, my friend who is a single parent with 2 Primary aged DC is really struggling and is ready to throw in the towel.

Children's personalities massively come into play here. 2 Junior DC here. No SEN or other issues. Enough tech/ space etc. Both bright and ahead of/ level with peers.

1 just gets on with it with a little prompting and 1 just requires constant supervision and encouragement. Even sitting next to said DC, they find anything to distract. It's impossible! Minimum effort made, minimum work submitted. I feel ashamed at the lack of effort at times, yet I do try.

Was informed tonight that teacher makes lessons fun in school. I know!

I just hope they return after half term. The longer this goes on, the more disengaged DC2 will be

We had a message from the head today asking us to flag to the teacher if we had tech problems or there were any other reasons children weren't able to log on to Google Classroom because the school were now "accountable for attendance". Whatever that means. It was very clear, without being explicit, from the tone of the way the email was drafted that she thought it was ridiculous.

Whether that has any legal standing or not I don't know but I can't see how it can be enforceable. I suspect it means the Department of Education is putting fire under schools arses to check in on children who are routinely not joining calls etc. But at the end of the day what can they do?

I'd be saying if you don't do your school work no devise for games/sweets/TV whatever they like the most until they complied.

Iknowwhatudidlastsummer

It's a bit unfair to look down at parents struggling with homeschooling when so many families are abusing the "keyworker" card to put their kids to school only because they can't be arsed with homeschooling!
Bookmark

Brilliant! The best comment I have read all day, thank you 👏👏👏👏

@Norwayreally

I have 5 DC and I make sure my three primary aged DC do all of their work every single day, they usually do extra on top of the work provided by the teacher’s. I am fortunate to have a device for each child plus one of my own and a printer, crafts, plenty of books and stationary and a garden so I do realise how privileged we are. What I don’t accept, however, is using the amount of children somebody has as an excuse. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m making sure they’re educated to a decent standard because they need it.

My DC have a zoom meeting every day with the teacher to catch up, there’s usually at least 10 pupils missing from said meeting (the ones in school sit with the teacher). We have to like the timetable post every day and that acts as a register. We’re also expected to upload proof of their work every day. No idea how many are adhering to it but I should hope all are.

It’s nothing like the last lockdown when everything was sort of thrown out of the window and we were mostly asked to exercise and bake banana bread. The teacher’s are setting work every day, parents should respect their effort and put some in themselves.

This is very condescending. Well done you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 . It’s parents like you that make people that are struggling feel like shit. I’m struggling with two because one is additional needs and the other we suspect is dyslexic and guess what I’m not a teacher. This is not an ideal situation for anyone so we don’t need berating because kids are out of thier normal routine and struggling themselves. Everyone talks about themselves, thier mental health but what about the kids. They have been little heroes during this, yes kids do adapt but not at this level, no seeing thier peers, no set in routine. My son is autistic and routine is everything to him, he won’t comply because it’s not what he usually does, Ihis mental health which is already on a downward spiral on the best of days Is taking a full on knock and I’ll be damned if I cause a full mental breakdown just because of a little bit of work.

My year 11 is being overloaded with around 8 hours work per day. He doesn’t want to disappoint any of his teachers as they will be deciding his GCSE grades (probably) so he’s working non-stop. It’s so unhealthy- he’s barely away from a screen and missing out on fresh air and exercise.
My younger teen is being set 5-6 hours work per day. I have asked for shorter lessons and the school has wrung their hands and made no changes. She is very stressed. Also lacking motivation as last lockdown she was one of the few who did (almost) all the work - zero recognition and had to sit through it all when she was back at school so everyone else could catch up.
I am home schooling on my own as no one from school had called me or the kids.
Older one at least has one live lesson every day. Younger one has one a week - with no cameras or microphones.
Tbh just pissed off with it all now. Desperate to get the kids outside during the daylight and do something fun together.

We have primary. We do some of the set work, and some other stuff that's educational but more interesting. Tbh the work on offer is very dry and I think the balance we have benefits the kids. What school provide is pretty much white rise maths and Oak Academy and the lessons I have seen are not great.

@Norwayreally

I have 5 DC and I make sure my three primary aged DC do all of their work every single day, they usually do extra on top of the work provided by the teacher’s. I am fortunate to have a device for each child plus one of my own and a printer, crafts, plenty of books and stationary and a garden so I do realise how privileged we are. What I don’t accept, however, is using the amount of children somebody has as an excuse. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m making sure they’re educated to a decent standard because they need it.

My DC have a zoom meeting every day with the teacher to catch up, there’s usually at least 10 pupils missing from said meeting (the ones in school sit with the teacher). We have to like the timetable post every day and that acts as a register. We’re also expected to upload proof of their work every day. No idea how many are adhering to it but I should hope all are.

It’s nothing like the last lockdown when everything was sort of thrown out of the window and we were mostly asked to exercise and bake banana bread. The teacher’s are setting work every day, parents should respect their effort and put some in themselves.

Sorry to pile in but your post was crashingly smug.

Has it not crossed your mind that there are people working God knows how many hours a day to keep the lights on who have to choose between home schooling and keeping their jobs?

If you lack the self-awareness to realise this, a period of dignified silence works wonders.

@Forgetaboutme

Wondered this myself. I am trying my best to home school my unfocussed 7 year old. WFH at the same time and I really feel like I am adding no value anywhere. My own work is falling behind / silly mistakes. I am rushing my son and sometimes telling him the answer so also not doing a great job of teaching him. I don't want him to fall behind though. Honestly I wish I could be furloughed but that's not possible because I'm a 'key worker.'

Exactly- I personally think their mental health is more important at this age. It's hard enough that's their whole lives have been disrupted, they don't need pressure to do loads of work on top. Read a book, basic maths throughout the day, run around the local park.

@Maryann1975

Dds teacher has put a note on teams to name the children who have not submitted all of the work. I know that one of the children lives with her single mum who is a critical worker (Social worker) but can work from home The majority of the time. Last time they really struggled to get any work done With the dc, so I assume it’s the same this time. Yes, she’s entitled to a school place, but she has chosen to keep her child at home, but obviously little work is being done as she needs to work to keep a roof over their heads. I don’t know what the answer is, but I did feel for her being called out for the work not being completed as I bet she is massively struggling for time at the moment. The way the message was written was that attendance and completion of all work was compulsory and they expected it all to be caught up on ASAP.

Disgusting- nothing's more than bullying from the school.

What happened to putting children's mental health first?!

Problem is schools are now being judged by Ofsted on their remote provision, so they have to provide the work.

Interesting how in the summer term there were many threads from parents complaining about the lack of work being provided by schools. Now there are numerous threads about schools providing too much.

@Mintjulia

Our school takes a register at 8.45 and again at the beginning of each lesson. Parents whose children miss more than one or two lessons get called to check all is ok.

How ridiculous- my 3 children and I have loved waking late, having a family cuddle, breakfast then work begins about 10ish. These days won't last forever, and I for one am going to enjoy spending time with my children instead of being a wailing banshee (it's 8.00...everyone up!!). I mean c'mon, we'll all be dead one day..

@London1977 do you not understand why schools do welfare checks

I suppose children whose parents are not key workers will fall behind their peers who have key worker parents.

My granddaughter is 4 years old and in reception year in a mixed R/Y1 class. She is the youngest in class.

She is home schooled. Mum also has a 12 month old and an 8 wk old baby who was born 7 weeks prematurely. Her hands are mostly full of babies during the day.

With the zoom 'lessons' other children shout out and dominate the 'less than 10 min session' while my granddaughter sits patiently with her hand up being ignored.

The work sheets appear to be aimed at year 1 children and are not differentiated.

When my daughter asked for work that her daughter could actually complete independently (no point setting work which the parent has to complete because it's beyond the ability of the child) the teacher told her that her daughter was cleverer than she thinks.

Sorry - she can't read a sentence. Not a one. So 'Read the sentence and rewrite it with capitals and full stops.' is a bit of a non starter. She'd be lucky to pick out one word she could sight read from any given sentence.

She missed a lot of nursery the previous academic year due to illnesses and the first lockdown and has missed a lot of school this academic year due to closed bubbles.

Foundation aged children need vast input in order for them to learn the basics (foundation) that the rest of their education is based on. This is not happening.

A great shame.

@Norwayreally

I have 5 DC and I make sure my three primary aged DC do all of their work every single day, they usually do extra on top of the work provided by the teacher’s. I am fortunate to have a device for each child plus one of my own and a printer, crafts, plenty of books and stationary and a garden so I do realise how privileged we are. What I don’t accept, however, is using the amount of children somebody has as an excuse. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m making sure they’re educated to a decent standard because they need it.

My DC have a zoom meeting every day with the teacher to catch up, there’s usually at least 10 pupils missing from said meeting (the ones in school sit with the teacher). We have to like the timetable post every day and that acts as a register. We’re also expected to upload proof of their work every day. No idea how many are adhering to it but I should hope all are.

It’s nothing like the last lockdown when everything was sort of thrown out of the window and we were mostly asked to exercise and bake banana bread. The teacher’s are setting work every day, parents should respect their effort and put some in themselves.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt. — ABRAHAM LINCOLN

#justsayin'

To give a bit of balance I have a yr11 DD and have nothing but praise for her teachers.
Especially for those who wrestle with their own kids or live lessons which are interrupted by over eager cats or their dogs who might intermittently interrupt classes with their desire for attention.
DD has seen a completely different side to many of her teachers and it's actually enhanced her respect and learning.
Particularly love one teacher in her latter years who gave up battling her own WiFi issues and told the class to take the hour off and just go and chill as she'd given up the battle for the day and was heading off to eat chocolate (wine) and play with her cats. It was the last lesson of the day and didn't blame her for one second.
Teachers are my heroes of the second wave. Ultimate respect for them having to step up!!

Well I feel shit now from the “you’re letting your kid down” type posts. DD1 is homeschooling as her school runs a full day on google classrooms but the other 2 are doing nothing. I draw up a schedule each day but I’m working all day (single parent), today I started at 8.30 and finished meetings at 9.30. Then had some downtime with them, got them asleep by 11, then I had to do the house to make sure they can play/eat tomorrow.

I have literally no hope of making them engage and learn. Kids need an education but they also need a roof over their heads! I’m on about 4 hours sleep a night and still behind on work, there is only so much one person can do!

There must be some safeguarding follow up if a child does not log on within a certain time frame. Some attendance mark must be taken for online learning even if once a day. School should be following up with checks and home visits to check the child is safe.

I’m not sure if my child has been given too much work or they’re just not working hard enough. Finding the offering very dull and not very engaging. Set work and oak academy (which I have watched a few of and also found really boring). Very little live teaching. Not helped by the fact that they worked hard last lockdown and were then told it didn’t matter it all needed repeating for those who didn’t work hard. I don’t think you can provide for all different children as they all have different struggles, personalities etc. And parents aren’t teachers, the relationship is totally different and when you’re together 24/7 it’s also important to keep a harmonious relationship. Not to mention many people are trying to hold down a job and don’t have time to teach or monitor. It’s an emergency at the moment, but they need to be back in school ASAP as for the majority remote schooling just doesn’t work.