Am I being unreasonable

[popchick]

My DS went on a school trip recently and had to share a room with 4 friends - that he didn't mind - there were only 2 double beds in the room and they were told they had to share a bed. The boys opted to take it in turns to asleep on the floor. I have complained to the school and have not received an apology the response i received was that in future when planning trips the school will 'endeavour' to make sure the children have their own bed. isn't that a basic right? or am i being unreasonable?

How old are the children? I don't think that sharing a double with a child of the same gender is a big deal, but should possibly have been made clear that would be the arrangement before the trip.

'On the trip there were a range of ages from yr 7 - 6th form. But the children only shared with their friends and my ds and his friends are 13 - 14

I don't think it's a big issue - if they didn't want to, they could sleep in the floor, which they did. Presumably the school are limited to the accommodation in the vicinity of the school trip location

Is it really that bad? I would've had no issues with sharing a bed with another female friend at that age, still wouldn't. Obviously the boys weren't comfortable or they wouldn't have slept on the floor, but surely they could've slept head to foot?

Do you mean two double beds for four boys or two double beds for five of them?

4 is reasonable, not all hotels have all single beds.

3 in one double is not and I'd complain. In the UK it might well break fire regulations.

There were 2 double beds for 4. I would gladly share a bed with a friend but the children weren't comfortable but as you say they found a solution that worked for them. And yes it would have been good to know before hand re the sleeping arrangements.

Ta

knowing before hand, probably just causes a huge fuss. Daft because it also stops the DCs taking sleeping bags.

DD and her friends happily share her double bed given separate sleeping bags or single quilts. It feels far less intimate.

Hmm...I dont know. It seems sensible that a school trip away would necessitate each child having their own bed. However, I.can remember going on a trip abroad and there being four of us in a double/double and it didnt even cross.my.mind that it was odd.

however, we got to pick who we shared with, and were roomed with closest friends.

Mind you, we were all girls so didnt have to worry about random hormonal surges and leakages «ahem»

I know girls probably wouldn't mind this - i certainly was happy to share a bed with a good friend at that age and still would now. But it is different with boys and at secondary school age, I don't think it is appropriate for teachers to expect children of any gender to share a bed. If friends are happy to share a bed at home on sleepovers that is one thing, that's up to them and their famililes. School is different, teachers should not be telling teenagers that they have to share a bed together.