To think secondary schools could scrap the tutor period?

[padthehallways]

I think most schools are like the one I work in, with a twenty / thirty minute tutor period either in the middle of the day or first thing. Once a week assembly.

Ours is currently first thing, and once a week we don’t have it and finish twenty minutes early.

Do we need it at all? Once a week assembly for each year group, so once a week in a bit earlier.

Maybe in my naive utopia I’m thinking it would reduce school traffic a bit with staggered starts, give teachers a bit more time (yes teacher bashers, we do need it) and reduce another layer of stress.

Perhaps I’m being naive.

Tutor time at my dcs school is done daily.
This gives an opportunity for child protection and safeguarding issues to be highlighted. They do activities in form time but the children are also more relaxed, so there is opportunity to overhear conversations between peers that could potentially highlight a red flag.
Children tend to open up to their peers about their worries and concerns. They could also mention key phrases that could highlight criminal activities outside of school.
By having this time, there are opportunities to clock something that a subject teacher may not be able to due to focussing on the learning objectives for that lesson.
Many children have been in situations above their heads and the signs have been there for a long time.
Seeing a familiar teacher, especially one that is approachable may be enough to get the support in place or start the ball rolling with safeguarding and child protection concerns.
I am very happy that each day my dc has time with an adult in their school where they are not focussing on the lesson but are concentrating on their wellbeing. The teacher may notice changes in their behaviour that is hidden at home.

I see my tutees three times a week for twenty minutes, so one hour - I see KS4 and 5 every day, KS3 four times a week. I get that I see more of them than some because I’m a core subject but I don’t think that holds as an argument, especially given some students will have two form tutors if they are part time.

It’s interesting people think it’s a child protection issue. I am not sure what would be picked up there that wouldn’t be in lessons, unless as I’ve said the child happens to have a good relationship with that teacher.

@padthehallways

It’s interesting people think it’s a child protection issue. I am not sure what would be picked up there that wouldn’t be in lessons, unless as I’ve said the child happens to have a good relationship with that teacher.

I’m really surprised you say that.

It’s a totally different relationship with a child to one you teach a specific lesson to.

You have a more relaxed time, you see them out of class time and when they’re either relaxed or have the chance to worry.

In every school I’ve ever worked in the tutor time has been seen as vital for pupil well being and safeguarding.

I see your point in some ways OP, but maybe what needs to change is the content of tutor time and assemblies, rather than getting rid of them altogether. I've been a form tutor for many years in
my career but am not now. The school where I currently do supply only has 15 mins tutor time, which I think is fine tbh.

Younger year groups benefit from tutor time most imo. It's useful tine for dealing with any issues, talking about behaviour, organisational issues etc. Quizzes etc are a waste of time, and give the students the impression that there isno real purpose to them being there.

@padthehallways

It’s interesting people think it’s a child protection issue. I am not sure what would be picked up there that wouldn’t be in lessons, unless as I’ve said the child happens to have a good relationship with that teacher.

There have been lots of clear examples on this thread, and if, as a teacher you really can't see it- I actually do think you need to ask for more training (not being snarky, I think there are some real gaps in your understanding of a tutor role)

It’s more relaxed, certainly. Perhaps that is the key difference. I can’t see tutor time going anywhere but I must admit it isn’t my favourite part of the day and is a bit of a pointless pain at the moment. Time is very precious!

None of the examples have proved that it’s essential, @crochetmonkey74. You think it is: that’s fine, I don’t. I genuinely have no idea why you’ve been such an arse on this thread. It’s interesting hearing how different schools do things even if we all still don’t agree.

Most travel by bus to DS2s secondary so staggered starts won't work there. His mentor is the most complained about teacher, and is definitely not the nurturing sort.
DS2 does grumble that the mentor room is inconvenient with his timetable and doesn't always have time to get a word processor for his first lesson.

I clicked on to argue with you about how important the Tudor period was for British history.

Clearly I really need to book that optician's appointment....

It’s interesting people think it’s a child protection issue. I am not sure what would be picked up there that wouldn’t be in lessons, unless as I’ve said the child happens to have a good relationship with that teacher.

It is pretty common for a competent teacher to be able to pick up on issues whether the child has a good relationship with them or not. I have flagged up concerns about or had a quick chat with a student who seemed worried/exhausted/on edge etc many times, sometimes even in a class I don't know and am covering.

So yes, subject teachers do sometimes pick up on things, but it's easier to do that in a scenario where you're not focused on teaching them and 28 other kids algebra or the Imperfect Tense. And where they know that dealing with their welfare and issues is your actual focus during that time.

I’m sure we could have a great discussion on which historical periods should be studied.

But (I’m not meaning to be argumentative, I promise!) if you have to deliver a pastoral curriculum in that time, your attention is diverted just the same, surely?

I can’t see tutor time going anywhere but I must admit it isn’t my favourite part of the day and is a bit of a pointless pain at the moment. Time is very precious

So essentially you want to ditch it because you dislike it and you've got better things to do... I do get it - having a difficult tutor group is bloody hard-going and thankless. And you're busy. All teachers are busy. But many of them recognise the importance of tutor time. And lots of them enjoy it!

That’s great - but I don’t think a discussion about it warrants capability! ( don’t think this was you.)

Ours has.
I think my kids are fine with it, most kids will be found me with it, but for the occasional one it might get make the world of difference.

Will be fine with it..

I can’t see tutor time going anywhere but I must admit it isn’t my favourite part of the day and is a bit of a pointless pain at the moment.

It’s not pointless to the kids. And those kids that moan the loudest and engage the least, probably need the structure and familiarity of it the most.

It’s really interesting that some schools have.

I keep reading that covid has changed the working world and it would be nice if some of that flexibility could be extended to schools but I think most have just reverted back.

But (I’m not meaning to be argumentative, I promise!) if you have to deliver a pastoral curriculum in that time, your attention is diverted just the same, surely?

Yeah I don't really think there should be much of a pastoral curriculum as such. Some study skills stuff in the run-up to exam times. Some advice about behaviour and interacting with others in and out of the classroom. But mostly having a chat about any issues, what's going on that week, uniform, reminders about handing stuff in or important events coming up etc, a reminder to come and talk to you personally if there's a problem etc. With a 15 min tutor time, by the time you've done the register and a bit of that stuff, it's pretty much over!

I think it is pointless to a lot of kids I’m afraid, but happy to agree to disagree.

They've also stopped them going out for lunch and have shortened lunchtime.
It's not great at all imo.

That’s a pain. We have forty minutes for lunch. Last school it was half an hour - hated that.

DS2s primary school was not the best and his history topic in Years 4,5 &6 was the Tudors and he loathed it. I jollied him with how secondary would be a fresh start so obviously Yr7 kicked off with The Tudors

He's Yr10 and taking it as a GCSE so he got over it.

I don't think crochetmonkey74 has been an arse, she and others have made valid arguments for tutor time. You have dismissed them all, some with an alarming lack of comprehension skills.
Get your kids into discussions, personal, local, regional, national and international topics. Explore life beyond school, most of them won't do school ~ uni ~ school, that is the preserve of teachers.
Try out new teaching approaches on them.
IMHO form time should be quite relaxing