in thinking that they could use a church hall or council offices rather than a school as a polling station so the school didn't have to shut?

[CountessDracula]

seems ridiculous

I've often wondered about this. In my ward, we use the church hall, btu the other side of town use the primary.

Me thinks the teachers ask for it to be that way so they can have the day off too

I mean they go on and on about not taking your children out of school during term time
then they do this

Oh, yes, Nbg, i have all my school teacher friends round fro coffee on election days. Dh is always miffed because he works in a high school, ha ha!

Exactly, and how much does it cost in lost work for the parents who then have to take a day off to cover?

EXACTLY
i think we should get a tax rebate in fact

It's not even on a Friday or a Monday so you can have a long weekend away

why the knickers?

As an homage to Gene Hunts predeliction for Bolly Knickers

(See Ashes to Ashes thread)

AND they shut school early for blimmin' Parent/Teachers night - pah!

really?
I think receptions is later

School is already worried about attendance; polling day is a Thursday and they're predicting lots of sick children on Friday, because it's the Bank Holiday the following Monday....

So why do they agree to be a polling station then?

Do they have a choice? I've always assumed that they're commandeered, like stately homes being turned into hospitals etc. during the war.

A lot of church halls are not able to hire out their premises due to taxation reasons.

I think it's brilliant - I'm all for as many (legitimate) days off as possible!

and they are often in use during the day.

Same system in Ireland - our local infants school is up steps, lots of local halls could be used but aren't.

LOL at Science Teacher - aren't schools "often in use during the day"?

It's ridiculous. Ours is in our local pub!

But maintained schools are council owned, and the local council is responsible for elections. It is much easier to use their own premises than try to use somewhere that is to all extents and purposes private.

Here's something I found rather shocking: where we lived in the USA, they used schools for polling stations - and they didn't close the schools for the day .

I had not really given this much thought but you are right - it is nonsense and we will all write to our MPs in our heads

Yes I do get that - sorry, but there are 3 council run community centres within 5 mins walk of the school used for polling here.

Schools have to use that day as one of their training days or part of the holidays. It's not an extra day as I keep reassuring my dds who get jealous when the school near us is shut!

The school will only be used if there isn't another suitable location within the ward. There are all sorts of rules. Schools don't have to shut either but it probably makes more sense re security.