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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think schools should get with the times re working parents.

818 replies

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:31

Why can't they be open 8-6 for everyone? It would help reduce gender inequality in the work place

AIBU - DON'T BE SILLY
YANBU - actually you have a point

OP posts:
Overthebow · 24/05/2024 20:41

I don’t want my dd in school from 8-6 5 days a week. The current wrap around options at our school work fine.

Didimum · 24/05/2024 20:41

I think more like why can’t workplaces get with the times for a 9-3pm working day? Why is there an arbitrary productivity level that is arbitrarily matched to 9-5? It’s meaningless and everyone works that different efficiency levels anyway. Goals in long term productivity and results should be the aim, not daily hours.

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:41

Yes the school isn't childcare but perhaps fbd government could say actually this is important so women who want to work can work. They could offer wrap around care for all who want it.

OP posts:
MrsMurphyIWish · 24/05/2024 20:42

My children are 13 and 10. Since reception they have had access to 7.30 - 5.45 school day (wraparound). I selected a primary school based on the needs of my family (I’m a teacher so need long days).

Pollipops1 · 24/05/2024 20:42

Often schools offer clubs, some organised by the school or again external providers. My dc do chess, cheerleading, coding, French etc. I’m not at work whilst they do this but that want to do it.

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:42

Onabench · 24/05/2024 20:40

School is not and never has been childcare....

This is absolutely not in schools.

Maybe look for employment with more flexibility and out of hours providers

Right where is this employment? It won't be in the fancy offices that pay loads will it

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 24/05/2024 20:43

That would be good for the parents but not for the kids.

Schools are at least intended to be about educating children. Children get tired and grumpy and don't cope well with long days and no downtime.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/05/2024 20:43

Think I'll pass on a 7-7 normal working day, thanks.

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:43

MultiplaLight · 24/05/2024 20:38

School isn't childcare!!

Nor is it their sole responsibility to educate your child.

Why have a kid if you're never there for it?

Thanks for that.

Because our child needs a roof over their head and our mortgage has shot up

OP posts:
Itsacruelsummer · 24/05/2024 20:44

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:41

Yes the school isn't childcare but perhaps fbd government could say actually this is important so women who want to work can work. They could offer wrap around care for all who want it.

But lots of schools have wraparound care and Dads can also do pick ups and drop offs surely?

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:44

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/05/2024 20:43

Think I'll pass on a 7-7 normal working day, thanks.

Teacher? Then they can offer way more part time roles of half days. Do job share head teachers etc

OP posts:
working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:45

Itsacruelsummer · 24/05/2024 20:44

But lots of schools have wraparound care and Dads can also do pick ups and drop offs surely?

They can but DO THEY?

OP posts:
Pollipops1 · 24/05/2024 20:45

I agree that employment needs to change, there’s a gulf between different jobs but increased hybrid working & flexi hours has helped.

SouthLondonMum22 · 24/05/2024 20:45

I think wraparound care should be available at all schools. I don't think it should be free and/or provided by teachers/school staff though.

Cheepcheepcheep · 24/05/2024 20:45

Yes wraparound is great. And no one is saying kids should be learning 8 - 6. But if you make modern life unaffordable for anyone who doesn’t have 2 incomes then yes, it is necessary.

I earn £75k and I’d love to spend more time with my children, but I have to pay a mortgage (to keep a roof over their heads) and food (so they don’t die) and childcare (so I can earn the money for the housing and food).

it’s not fucking rocket science

MultiplaLight · 24/05/2024 20:46

This situation really isn't on schools.

You chose to take on a mortgage needing two incomes, unless you're a single parent. In which case you are entitled to some childcare support unless you earn shit loads.

Stop putting more shit on to schools.

Pollipops1 · 24/05/2024 20:46

They can but DO THEY?

DH does 3 drop offs & 1-2 pick ups a week.

Octavia64 · 24/05/2024 20:46

Aren't you glad you don't live in Switzerland where school runs on random mornings and afternoons and changes each year and the kids all go home for lunch?

English schools are already set up to make life easier for working parents. If they weren't it would be like Switzerland.

If you want to warehouse your kid send them boarding at 7.

schnubbins · 24/05/2024 20:46

Poor kids is all I can say if that was to happen. What is the point in having a child if it has to spend its life in a school with other kids and a teacher rather than with his family .Sad world really if that would even be considered.

working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:46

Pollipops1 · 24/05/2024 20:45

I agree that employment needs to change, there’s a gulf between different jobs but increased hybrid working & flexi hours has helped.

It definitely has I agree.

OP posts:
working8til4 · 24/05/2024 20:47

schnubbins · 24/05/2024 20:46

Poor kids is all I can say if that was to happen. What is the point in having a child if it has to spend its life in a school with other kids and a teacher rather than with his family .Sad world really if that would even be considered.

What as opposed to in school and with a childminder?

OP posts:
Pollipops1 · 24/05/2024 20:47

You chose to take on a mortgage needing two incomes, unless you're a single parent. In which case you are entitled to some childcare support unless you earn shit loads.

Not much choice re house prices tbf. What are you classing as shit loads?

HandaFae · 24/05/2024 20:47

Or we could invest in good quality care which provides a wide range opportunities wider than the academic. Sports, crafts, outdoor learning, practical skills, voluntary opoortunities.

The wider offer could be, as with parts of Europe, from 1.00pm everyday. Ending at 6.00pm (a minimum time agreed but or earlier than 6.00pm if parents wish).

Teachers could teach from 8.00 till 1.00, the extra care would allow teachers to plan, assess and do all of the things that are required to support the safety and education of children during the afternoon.

It would also mean that difficulties in staffing WRAC with very limited hours at each end of the day would improve and there would be a quality offer over a decent amount of time (5hours) rather than an hour or less if waiting around before school.
It would remove difficult lunchtime and lack of staff too. In Spain, children I knew took one sandwich, eaten in their classroom, 15 minute break.
Neither children or teachers can be involved an academic learning from 8.00 till 6.00 every day.

A whole rethink would support not only the health and well-being of teachers but arguably more importantly improve the dire state of the health and well-being of our children.

Cityandmakeup · 24/05/2024 20:47

Did you know teachers are parents too. You get with the programme. Schools are not childcare. Are you offering to pay staff 10 hour days

MultiplaLight · 24/05/2024 20:47

Also we can't get enough teachers to cover the hours schools re currently open so I've no idea where you're getting these other hours covered from?