Am I right to feel angry with dd's school?

[lou33]

Dd1 had her sports day today, she is year 7 of a secondary school. I knew she was going to be in two races, and would be outside for them. However what I didn't know, and have had no letters telling me, was that she was going to be outside for the whole day watching all the other events. It was quite hot and sunny here, and she has come home from school with a terrible red face, back of neck, and thighs, she really is quite badly burnt.

Now she says she is feeling unwell, and tbh doesn't look too good.

My gut reaction is to fire off a letter to the school, asking them why I was not informed she would be outside all day, as I could have provided a hat and suncream, because I am really cross. Should add that dd1 is white blonde and with v pale skin.

Would wise mumsnetters feel the same?

I have to say as well that a letter is better than a phone call. You can think more clearly about what you want to say and not lose your temper in the heat of the moment. The school will have to respond to your letter and the matter will be taken seriously. At the end of the school year, if you phone, who knows who you will be put through to. Your views may not be heard at the right level. If she's unwell, don't send her in. I think tomorrow is going to be hot again. Does this cause you problems? If so, add that to your letter, but try not to be too emotional!

Yes it does really Rowlers, ds2 has a phyio appointment and a fitting for his wheelchair, and dd2 has her school leavers play. Dd1 won't be able to go with us to either one if she is not well, so I have to either leave her here feeling sick, or cancel the appointments

Poor you. The only other thing I can suggest is that you all get a good night's sleep and hopefully DD (and you) will feel better in the morning. Good luck!

You are right to be angry lou, what an f-ing stupid idea not letting kids into the school all day!!!

lou33 I don't mean to be harsh but in July all the children at our school carry suntan cream every day, because you don't know what the weather will turn out like...I do think it's the parents responsibility as teachers have enough to worry about (my teachers never told us to do this but my mum did constantly)....by all means have a chat with one of them but personally think they will see it as your responsibility as sports day "July" rings of hot weather, regardless....good luck.

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That's fab Twiglett, can i use it please?

lav - I think parents should give kids the suncream but its also very irresponsible forcing the kids to stay out all day. They shouldn't spend that long in the sun, suncream or no suncream. I used to (and still do at times) get terrible heatstroke which has nothing to do with wearing suncream or not - what if any of the kids there had that?

They should have let the kids go into the school if they wanted, even if just into one classroom.

they should have let them in the school really

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Thanks Twigs

Just caught up with all this- absolutely right to complain, of course they should have warned you. I agree that a letter is best, and Twiglett's is great (your was good too ). I wouldn't hesitate to send it.

I hope your dd feels better tomorrow. It might be as well to get her to drink plenty of water.

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Have given her watery drinks, painkillers, fan in the room and a cool bath to see if it helps. Her face looks dreadful.

Good idea about gp, I may have to

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The only other thing I'd say just so you are aware...I think most schools have all pupils outside on sports day so that they can be properly supervised. In that I mean that it is really such a big thing to organise that it is only possible if all pupils are in the same place. Schools don't let pupils in because they need to be under adult supervision and a school can't have pupils wandering around the school on their own. Also, you tend to get thefts and vandalism if pupils go off on their own. And if a school sets aside a room or two for pupils which are staffed, then very soon, lots of bored pipils start to want to go inside and before you know it, half the school is inside with nothing to do. A nightmare to supervise. I know this is really just an aside to the real issue but when you complain, for this reason, I think you're complaint should lie mainly in the lack of communication which did not allow you to prepare well enough. Get my point?

Thanks Rowlers.

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agree with wobblyknicks and twigletts letter is very good....maybe it will make them allow children into school in the future at Sports Days....hope your dd feels better soon )sorry to seem harsh but when put in a different perspective it makes you see things you didn't see ie. don't always read everything fully....good luck.

I seem to have followed that advice as far as i can with the things i have in the house, but thanks for the link Twig.

I'm going to bed now - suggest you do the same!!! Would be really interested though to hear how the school responded. Will look again in a few days and hope you keep us informed. Hope all goes well.

I am really really careful with the kids wrt the sun Twig, despite this happening. We don't even take them to the beach until after 3 because they are so fair, they have cream poured over them regularly and have hats on. I can think of only 2 occasions when 2 of them got slightly burned , and i cried my eyes out then from guilt. And it was nothing compared to this, the redness had disappeared the next morning.

Nowhere near my bedtime yet Rowlers! thanks for your input though

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