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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse to have lunch in the classroom

67 replies

thismummyslife · 04/12/2025 17:24

I’m a teacher, I’ve been told that there is not enough cover for my class during lunchtimes so the expectation is for myself to sit with the children whilst they play (early years) and eat dinner, not being allowed to leave the classroom. No other teachers are expect to do this. It’s hard to rock the boat but I’m honestly fuming about it! Should I go to the union about this? I’m worried about causing friction between myself and management!

OP posts:
youlied · 04/12/2025 17:26

Teacher here and union rep. This is unacceptable. You aren’t paid for your lunch hour therefore they cannot direct you to supervise kids in your lunchbreak. Please contact your union they will take this up for you.

StarFlower242 · 04/12/2025 17:26

You are entitled to a 20 minute break away from the children and you can leave the site or eat in your car, or in the staffroom.

Arlanymor · 04/12/2025 17:28

Definitely talk to your union - you are being asked to work during your unpaid break and it means you don’t get a break at all. Totally unreasonable - this is exactly the reason unions exist, don’t worry about making a fuss, they are acting illegally!

Applesinapie · 04/12/2025 17:32

No, you can refuse this. You are legally entitled to your unpaid lunch break

CrustyBread1977 · 04/12/2025 17:34

Fuck that. Absolutely no way. Speak to your union now.

ProudCat · 04/12/2025 17:52

If you don't have a rep, them go to branch or regional. Your lunch break is unpaid and they can't direct you.

Employment law means no one can be forced to work for free.

Soduku1234 · 04/12/2025 17:53

For a few days or is this long term?

Saucery · 04/12/2025 17:55

You are probably being expected to do this because of new rules about supervision of Early Years children while eating. However, it is unacceptable that you as their class teacher have to do this, so I would refuse and insist they deploy someone else.

jeaux90 · 04/12/2025 17:56

Who is asking you to do this?

TheFallenMadonna · 04/12/2025 17:56

Are you given a break at another point? It should really be between close to the middle of the day (I want to say between 12 and 2, but I'd need to check the STPCD).

Justmemyselfandi999 · 04/12/2025 17:57

I’d stand at the classroom door and light a cigarette, pretty sure you won’t have to supervise lunch for long!

MincePudding · 04/12/2025 18:00

Decide what you want and then the answer is either

  • yes, when will this start so we can agree a date that my pay be topped up from
  • I could, but I suspect it will be cheaper for you to hire and pay a lunchtime supervisor than pay a teacher rate at overtime
  • No, as this is outside the remit of my contract.

Then union up if they push it.

Cosyblankets · 04/12/2025 18:04

No
Sorry I'm going out at lunchtime

InterestedDad37 · 04/12/2025 19:15

Absolutely contact your union ✊

Original poster
thismummyslife · 04/12/2025 20:03

TheFallenMadonna · 04/12/2025 17:56

Are you given a break at another point? It should really be between close to the middle of the day (I want to say between 12 and 2, but I'd need to check the STPCD).

No break another time, we supervise lunches and then take it in turns to sit at a table in the classroom and eat our lunch, we don’t get a minute and all the little ones are crowding us, we leave the room from 8.30-3.30.

OP posts:
Original poster
thismummyslife · 04/12/2025 20:04

jeaux90 · 04/12/2025 17:56

Who is asking you to do this?

SLT , so head teacher

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 04/12/2025 21:55

Then they are taking the piss. I’d say no. Then contact your union.

Honeyandwine · 04/12/2025 22:22

EYFS lead here. If the children are Reception age, then under the Statutory Framework for the EYFS, they must be supervised at all times while eating by an adult with a valid 12-hour paediatric first aid certificate. If you are required to eat your lunch with them while also supervising, then you are not able to give your full attention to the children, which means the school is not meeting the statutory requirements for supervision.

You are also legally entitled to a proper uninterrupted break, as outlined in the Burgundy Book and general working-time regulations. A break is meant to be a break- you should not be expected to eat a meal while simultaneously carrying out safeguarding or supervision duties. You should be free to eat your lunch how you choose, whether that’s having hot food, going for a walk, or simply taking quiet time away from children.

This expectation is unreasonable and potentially unsafe. Go to your union!

spirit20 · 04/12/2025 23:08

Absolutely not okay.

You don't get to waltz in and take money from the petty cash box because you need a few extra quid that month. In the exact same way, the school doesn't get to take more of your time than they're entitled to just because they need someone to supervise the kids at lunch.

PopcornKitten · 04/12/2025 23:08

Another vote for speaking to your union.
your break does not form part of your directed time.
your leadership team are wrong to direct you to do this.

Mrsnothingthanks · 04/12/2025 23:22

Yet another reason why I left teaching after 21 years in this time last year. I actually get some time to eat lunch. It's disgraceful that so many teachers don't get this basic working condition met.

24Dogcuddler · 04/12/2025 23:37

There were strikes about this in the mid 80s. Teachers withdrew voluntary lunchtime supervision initially but it led to Industrial action.
Absolutely a Union matter.

WonderfulSmith · 04/12/2025 23:47

No way. When do you get the chance to have a pee?
Tell the head that that doesn’t work for you and you will be in discussion with the union.

TicklishMintDuck · 05/12/2025 00:19

youlied · 04/12/2025 17:26

Teacher here and union rep. This is unacceptable. You aren’t paid for your lunch hour therefore they cannot direct you to supervise kids in your lunchbreak. Please contact your union they will take this up for you.

I second this as a teacher.

GinLover198 · 05/12/2025 06:01

When asked to do this, we’re then theoretically given the time back earlier or later in the day. That said, we’re rarely able to take the break as we’re short-staffed but, on paper, it looks like we’ve been given it. This only applies at lunch time, if we cover morning interval there’s no time back.