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Original poster

Teachers- would you take your child to school?

33 replies

pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 13:08

I am a visiting teacher & need to work a couple of days next week, but DD(age 8) who goes to private school has already finished for the summer. How do you think schools will react if I do? With the current obsession with CRB's & signing in etc. I am a little worried she may not be welcomed! Personally I have no problem as I know she will happily sit in the corner & read/ds & leave me to teach, but I still worry if it will be seen as a professional thing to do.

Any advice?

OP posts:
3isthemagicnumber · 05/07/2010 13:14

Depends very much on the head i think. At my school it is a big No No, and they have made the choice of finding cover for me (when the boiler broke at DS2's school) rather than me bringing him in.
At a friends different school (smaller, county school-dont know if that makes a difference)it is the opposite experience and many members of staffs kids are there quite frequently if neccesary.

However, YOU are not a permanent member of staff, and as such i think it would be viewed less favourably/professionaly from the start so I wouldnt do it in your circumstances.

NeatFreak · 05/07/2010 13:16

Are you actually teaching, i.e. supply with sole responsibility for a class? I wouldn't think they would be very keen on this and as a parent I don't think I would be very enthusiastic about it. Is it primary or secondary?

pointydog · 05/07/2010 13:18

I wouldn't do it, no. Not unless you have a good relationship with the head and can ask beforehand.

Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 13:18

I just so wish holiday clubs started earlier for private pupils - would really help me out!
Not really sure what else I can do as will be my last visits next week therefore 'fun' sessions anyway so it's not as if she would be in the way.

OP posts:
Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 13:20

NeatFreak -
would be both primary & secondary, only small groups not whole classes.

OP posts:
PixieOnaLeaf · 05/07/2010 13:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

3isthemagicnumber · 05/07/2010 13:23

Ok, there is a slight difference if you are say, a parapatetic violin teacher than a supply teacher as that is perhaps the only way it might be acceptable.
And, if you did take her, she would have to expect to join in with your sessions surely, as how can it be fair to have a child playing a DS in the corner when the others are working??

Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 13:26

OK maybe just a book then - ds maybe a bad idea! Might call the schools involved then, just wanted a vague idea as to whether I would upset them just by asking!
Thanks

OP posts:
rainbowfizz · 05/07/2010 14:29

How about asking the TA at your dd school whether they can look after her?

At our private school, the TAs are happy to do this during the non-normal school holiday weeks.

Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 14:39

Nice idea, but DD doesn't have any TA's in her class!

OP posts:
civil · 05/07/2010 15:53

I think it's rather unprofessional - I wouldn't be happy as a parent.

rainbowfizz · 05/07/2010 18:22

Is there a kindergarten at her school? They normally have extra staff.

I think you may have to approach parents of her friends, if necessary as you only have to work for a couple of days, could you not offer to reciprocate the offer on your day off?

rainbowfizz · 05/07/2010 18:23

I have previously sent an email out to class list, and said I'm stuck for childcare on x day, please look after my dc and I'll give you a gift of £x.

I had 6 offers of assistance, money talks!!!

EvilTwins · 05/07/2010 18:28

When I was a child, I went into school with both my parents, on occasion. I think it happened on days when I had piano exams, sometimes when my school was closed for whatever reason but theirs weren't, and maybe once or twice when they couldn't get grandparents to look after me for various reasons. I have very happy memories of sitting on my own in the staff room reading books or colouring in. Ask the head. I'm a teacher now, and will be taking my pre-school DTDs to work with me next Wednesday (I teach secondary) as I don't usually work on Wednesdays, but my VI form class is doing a performance for a local primary school and I have no other way of looking after my girls. No one minds.

Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 18:54

Well have spoken to school involved, who are going to get back to me. DH will have her all this week & 2 days next week, really don't want him to have to take another day! Fingers crossed x

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Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 19:02

Friends parents are unfortunately not an option as they all live in the opposite direction to my work- don't fancy a 15 mile detour on the way!

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 05/07/2010 19:06

15 miles is not that far if it means you would have child care.....it is a bit unreasonable to expect the school to babysit.

violethill · 05/07/2010 19:18

I wouldn't - I think it's unprofessional and unfair on the school and pupils.

Surely this must be a regular problem? Private school terms are usually a lot shorter than state, so it's your responsibility to make provision. Most holiday clubs will run according to state school terms, simply because over 90% of children are in state schools - it's clearly not cost effective to run them outside those times. Also, IME many clubs are based on school sites, so it would be impossible when the school is still in session.

Why haven't you sorted a childminder or other arrangement for this? It is still possible to find care even with irregular times - you may have to pay more than if it were every week, but it should be possible to arrange. I think taking a child to work is only ever ok in really exceptional emergencies - which this isn't, as you know that your dd has shorter terms than your job.

Original poster
pugsandseals · 05/07/2010 19:24

Would normally have finished myself by this stage in the term, but had some time off sick earlier in the term which I need to make up. You are right of course, that had I planned to go in next week I would have had to make other arrangements for DD. Surely a year 3 could be trusted to sit and read? I don't see how you can describe it as me asking the school to babysit?

OP posts:
janeite · 05/07/2010 19:25

I wouldn't. It is an insurance risk for the head, on top of any other concerns.

mrz · 05/07/2010 19:27

You need to ask the heads of the schools where you will be working some won't mind but I don't think any would be happy for you just to turn up with your daughter.

violethill · 05/07/2010 19:28

Whether the child will sit and read quietly is not the point though. It's the fact that you are putting the school in a difficult position, and it may look bad to the pupils, who in turn may tell their parents, who won't be happy.

scurryfunge · 05/07/2010 19:32

The school would be providing you with childcare facilities....that is babysitting to me

piscesmoon · 05/07/2010 19:47

I wouldn't even ask. Pay for childcare.

clam · 05/07/2010 19:54

Civil: "I wouldn't be happy as a parent."
Why on earth not? As a parent, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest.
Totally depends on the Head Teacher. My previous Head would have said "No way. Unprofessional." My current Head would say (and has done): "Sure! Bring 'em in. The more the merrier!"
I know which Head runs the happier, more child-friendly school with relaxed staff who run the extra mile.