To not attend school video meeting at 8pm?

[glossypeach]

i have a four year old who’s due to start reception in September. His nursery, in which hopefully he will attend the reception there, is having a group video call meeting at 8pm a day next week. It’s to discuss what to expect within the education next year.

anyway, am I being unreasonable to think this is a ridiculous time, especially for parents of young children? My son has suspected adhd and he does not sleep of a night until a silly time and I’m a single parent so I have no one to ask to look after him to attend the meeting at that time. So I obviously cannot attend.

I do think a lot of the time, they don’t take into account single parents. Even if I wasn’t, I’m sure other parents with partners who are working or other kids to attend to, etc will not be able to attend. It just seems a bit unreasonable timing.

They’ve done it online at a time that most young children will be in bed and working parents will be able to attend. I don’t see how much more accessible they can make it. Do you think the teachers want to be there that late doing an online meeting for parents?

Sorry OP agree with most that it's difficult for schools to find a time that suits everyone. (In the evening I guess would suit most, especially as its on line but requires staff giving up their evenings too)

During the time kids are at school there will be numerous invitations to come to school for various events. Majority of which are in the school day which can be tricky for working parents. Sometimes it will not be possible to attend everything. Evenings in person might mean childcare is needed (both for teachers and parents) online in the evening is possibly the most convenient solution even if it's not the time you would choose.

You can do what you like. Just don't complain to school later on that you don't know what's going on/what they're working on/how to support learning if you don't feel like attending any information sessions. Personally as a parent of a child with SEN I try to join in as much as I can because the information is usually helpful.

This is a perfect time for most people.

Just join and put yourself on mute.

If you want to ask any questions then you can unmute or type it in.

What's ridiculous about the time? There are always complaints if it is during the day, it couldn't be any later etc

By all means don't attend, but I don't think they could make it much more accessible...8npm over zoom so people don't even need to leave the house

You are forgetting that these teachers could also have young kids themselves, but they’ve done it at a time that they hope is convenient for the majority - even if it does extend their own working day.

You’re a bit of a whinge aren’t you? You’re going to love the school years!

Wouldn't most four year olds be in bed by 8pm

What an amazing school doing an evening appointment to fit round parents that work!

You need to learn to be flexible.

Headphones, muted microphone and turn off video.

You don't need childcare. Just give him an activity and keep an eye on him.

I've done seminar online meetings with 4 kids at the house!

This. Sounds like the best possible arrangement. And the teachers have lives and possibly kids too. Just attend with mic off and some of it might be useful.

Ours was in person during the school day which was awkward tbh. I can’t think what time would be best. Most hands on parenting is done by 8pm so not ridiculous IMO

I did an evening the other night at 8pm. I did it so that people would be able to do it after work. I didn't see my own children that day because of it. You can't win!

Why would you need child care to attend a Zoom meeting?

I have older children and this is standard for Zoom meetings-as PP’s have said, they’re trying to schedule them after children are in bed.

We sometimes have earlier ones (6:30) and we’re often eating dinner so DH and I turn off the camera and listen in!

Zooms are certainly easier than the old style in-person meetings.

Sounds like a sensible time to me. When do you want it?

Well then... what would you consider "reasonable"?

I also feel I have to point out that these teachers who are giving up their evening may well also need childcare, and they won't be in their own home either! Could equally be single parents.

God, you have a long, long, hard road ahead of you during the schooling years...

If its not a convenient time for you then tell them you can't attend and ask if they will be recording the session so you can watch it later. Simple.

Sounds like a dedicated member of staff trying to be helpful well outside their normal working hours. If you can't go, don't go. Don't blame them for trying to organise something that sounds useful which many of the others can attend.

I think 8pm is a great time but I hear you and understand your concerns! My kids school has regular meetings at 3pm on a certain day of the week and I can never attend as I work. I have asked to mix days up and was told to take annual leave for the meetings instead by school.
Maybe you could record it and watch it in your own time ( if it's on zoom)

As a teacher, I’d say thats a ridiculous time for the staff who will have to host the meeting!

I thought this. There will be parents attending who won't get a place & other parents who will miss out as the school doesn't know who has places there yet. Bit odd.

Your kid isn't there yet and you're already unreasonable.

Are you really moaning that staff are giving up their evening for this?

Obviously to anyone that they've tried to be considerate.

What time would have suited you perfectly? Surely you have the imagination to understand that that might not suit everyone?

Do what anyone else would do - if your child won't be in bed, give them whatever activity will keep them entertained for a while. If they interrupt the meeting nobody will mind. If you have to dip out, nobody will mind.

I think it is amazing that this school is offering you an information evening so far in advance of your child starting reception in September. Are your not interested in finding out as much as possible about this reception class, as soon as possible? Please do not miss it! You will regret it.

You do know that you can record the zoom meeting and play it back later?

You do know that you can ask the school to record it for you and send you a copy?

You do know that you will have to attend so many of these types of meetings in future for your child. I love school meetings on zoom - so convenient. Sit there in my pjs 😂

At most, you and your child will be inconvenienced for a few hours one night. Please feel sorry for and give a thought to the poor teachers who do not get paid for working those extra hours and and still have to lose one night of their own time.

If you've got bluetooth earbuds then you can mute yourself, turn off the video and listen with one earbud in. That way you can run around after your DS if needs be and still listen or at least show that you're willing.

All you do is turn your camera and mic off, it’s a fantastic time to have a meeting at and the staff should be applauded for giving up their evening to inform drama queens of their child’s forthcoming education. You’re being ridiculous.