Not a problem ,but .........

[Catsanddogs30]

I received a letter in the post from school to say that if my son did not attend G.C.S.E. intervention lessons after school then he would receive a two hour detention .Can the school technically do this ?Is this common ?We see it as a positive thing btw. Thanks.

I would not imagine that school has any grounds to impose this. Detentions are usually for behaviour and after school interventions should be optional.

It depends. If it’s just extra revision classes then no, they can’t force it. If it’s because he’s fallen behind through some fault of his own (not completing hw for example) then yes, most likely they can. Does seem harsh, though- we tend to go more carrot than stick!

What does the school policy say on the use of Detentions? How is dc to get home? In our area there’s a huge network of transport to local villages from schools leaving after the last lesson. Therefore anything after school is optional as DC cannot get home. No buses. Detentions are punishments and I would say this is a highly dubious use of them, so what do your behaviour and attendance policies say?

Do they give detentions if dc cannot play in a sports team after school due to other commitments? It’s probably not acceptable to give detentions for not going to non timetabled events outside contracted hours. If dc wants to go, then that’s great and presumably can get home. What about the others?

It is for the whole year.(very large).Mock results were generally poor, Ofsted rating has gone down,new headteacher.Comes with all good intentions.I'm sure it will be very difficult/disruptive for some families.Thanks for replies.