DD started P1 last August and has always hated going into the playground at the normal drop off time. We began sending her to breakfast club, which she loved. We know at least 3 other families who have the same issue and also found breakfast club easier.
Now, she's back at school (we're in Scotland), but breakfast club is only for children of keyworkers. She is in floods of tears as soon as we pull into the car park and really clingy. She's never been clingy or nervous and is happy outside of school. When I ask what's wrong she tells me that she really hates that playtime.
This morning, I stayed a bit longer to watch. She went over to a bench, sat down alone, and stared at her feet. Occasionally she would look up to see if I was there and was visibly very upset. She wasn't engaging with anyone. The HT came to the fence and asked me to move on (because of Covid, not because I was unsettling her).
My main issue is that 4 different adults - gate supervisor, HT, DHT and another member of staff - were in the playground, they watchedher come in upset, one asked me if she was ok and then they all ignored her and another upset child. This happens every day.
Because of Covid, they couldn't use their buddy system so I'm conscious that this school start has been in much more difficult circumstances.
She's my oldest and the school thing is new to me - I'm really not sure what is fair to expect of them? I appreciate that maybe she needs to just get on with it but I also can't get past 4 adults ignoring an upset child.