If you missed your kid's parents' night because you were on a term time holiday, would you expect the teacher to allow another appointment when you return?

[Purpleturtle46]

Just that really. Parents night same week every year and parents informed 2 months in advance.

YABU-yes the teacher should arrange to see you at an alternative time on your return.

YANBU-no, you booked and holiday and missed it so that's on you!

Bollocks.

The ‘10 min chat’ at ours, it’s very clear the teacher has spent a good hour preparing what they want to say for that 10mins

@edwinbear I can only suggest perhaps asking some more experienced teachers for tips then as this seems excessive for a 10-11yr old parent’s evening. I don’t spend that long preparing for much bigger meetings

Teachers should always 'just do'.

Just fit in this after school club, it's only an hour.
Just wait with this child whose parent is chatting on the road, it's only ten minutes.
Just find these lost gloves, it's only 5 minutes.
Just give my child 2 extra reading books, it only takes 5 minutes.

A classy and sensitive post given that the disclosed reason for needing two slots was DV

I am sorry you have had to put up with bs on this thread, and for what you have been through.

People rarely make an effort to understand separated families and this thread is a good example of that. I'm sure there will be someone along in a minute to tell us both that it's all our fault for picking the wrong man.

I've met the requirements. I've stayed after school for parents evenings lasting 6 hours.

It's a shame that parents can't be mature enough to attend a parent's evening for their child.

The only thing is in relationships where one parent was abusive. That makes it hard to be in the same room as them, but I do understand your frustrations as a teacher.

I know your post is mainly about the holiday thing, but the separated parents thing is difficult, because some parents are so entitled. Never mind when one things they should bring in a stepparent and the other parent doesn't want that.

It's very challenging.

Regarding the holiday. I think a 10 minute phonecall at your convenience can be arranged, IF there are any concerns about the child.

"No, it simply means meeting the requirements of the role they're paid for."

Which we do, numerous times a year, at designated consultation evenings.

Well that's good for the school your DCs are at, and a much better system. Unfortunately not all schools are like that so 2 slots per child does mean that a lot of parents do miss out.

@Serendipitousnight I’m always helping to help, I just don’t think people should demand it because I actually don’t have to beyond the already allocated time.

Collecting data, writing notes, looking through books, talking to other staff. I think an hour per child preparation is accurate.

Couldn’t agree more! I want to know what some of these past posters occupations are and if they would be happy “just doing” extra things here and there without compensation. Also if they would be happy doing unpaid overtime sometimes, as it’s “only” 10 minutes per student, right?! Certainly doesn’t add up or anything… 🙄

Teachers should always 'just do'.
Just fit in this after school club, it's only an hour.
Just wait with this child whose parent is chatting on the road, it's only ten minutes.
Just find these lost gloves, it's only 5 minutes.
Just give my child 2 extra reading books, it only takes 5 minutes.

bit numerous teachers here have said things like ‘after 3:30 the time is mine.’ So it really just sounds like resentment that you’re being asked to give up a bit of time - 10 mins

Yes I think they should make themselves available. That doesn't mean staying after school. A quick 10 minute zoom call at lunch or straight after school would do.

But yes, people miss appointments all the time. Holidays are often booked in longer than two months in advance.

My friends school gives half termly reports in detail. We get one parents evening in Feb for 10 minutes and a crappy report made of numbers in July. The numbers are based on standardised scoring, there's no thought. If they thought about it, they could do a Macro.

You're not getting it.

This is extra work on top of the work we're already doing.

Of course I resent giving up more time for someone who cba to attend the actual parents evening.

Couldn’t agree more! I want to know what some of these past posters occupations are and if they would be happy “just doing” extra things here and there without compensation. Also if they would be happy doing unpaid overtime sometimes, as it’s “only” 10 minutes per student, right?!

in a minimum wage scenario role absolutely not. But in a professional job - absolutely you get your job done. I’m not one to advocate ridiculous working hours etc but ten mins, hell even 60 mins twice a year is hardly ludicrous for a well paid role

After the children have gone home the time is mine. To plan, assess, prepare resources, organise trips etc. If ten minute jobs keep being added to my list I end up leaving school at 6.30 instead of 5.30. I miss taking my child to bed. I have yo work for three hours in the evening rather than two.

Teachers have a life!! I thought they slept in the school (actually my DD really did think this when she was in reception and was absolutely bowled over to meet her teacher with their dog in the park one day!)

OP you're not being unreasonable. Holidays are a parents choice and if they choose to take them when its parents evening then tough. If they're sick or dealing with an unavoidable problem or having to work then you might choose to be flexible if they ask nicely - but term time holidays - no I don't think so

Do you really think teachers are well paid and adequately compensated in this country?

No. Why should the teacher have to be inconvenienced because you were on holiday when the teacher was there to see you on Parents Evening? Imagine if all parents felt this entitled.

Well paid 😂 missed that gem.

Surely a PTA parent wouldn’t take a term time holiday??

@Summertimer Are you making a joke there?

All teachers will tell you the parents they most need to see are the ones who never turn up....

I’m crying with laughter! So bonkers I can’t believe it. I’m not a teacher but have so much respect for those in the profession

PITA, not PTA.
PITA = Pain in the a*se
😏