School system

[ChickenRacer]

Hi,
My lo is supposed to be starting reception in September, but I really do not feel happy about it. No concerns specific to lo.

Its I just don’t feel confident schools are good places - because of the testing and pressure it brings, large children to staff ratios, ungentle behaviour policies, potential for bullying, the manipulation techniques teachers have to use when managing a class of kids, lack of play as they get older, I could go on!

it seems children have so many mental health problems these days and whilst I’m sure some of that is down to more awareness etc, I can’t help think that the modern school system has a big role in this too.

I know there is the possibility of home educating, but this isn’t a option for everyone, so where does this leave our children?

I see today that the government is increasing the academisation of school, basically privatisation of schools, which surely means managers making lots of money, money that really should be going to the children.

i don’t see very many people worried or talking about this often, so is it just me?!

It's just you.

Yes, the current education system is flawed and chronically underfunded but I don't believe the system is to blame for increasing problems with children's mental health.

I also find it slightly offensive that you say teachers use 'manipulation techniques' with their class.

Just you!
Reception is a lot of learning through play. I’ve been so impressed with how they teach phonics and how quickly my child has learnt to read. Mixing with peers she wouldn’t usually- another tick!
School itself: trips, assembly’s, sports days and fetes make childhood imo.
Yes maybe there is an emphasis when older on results but that’s the real world and how people succeed. As for mental health, that needs to be nurtured at home.

Agree, it's just you.

Never heard anyone have a view of schools like this before.

There are lots of flaws in the system. But thousands of us teachers get up every day to try our level best to give our children -YOUR children- as good a day as possible. We buy resources out of our own money, see little of our own families, work through weekends and holidays and worry endlessly that we can't do enough.
And then you spout shit like that and prove our time is fucking thankless.

IMO modern schools are WAY better at supporting mental health. When I went to school, we had just as many tests and larger class sizes.

I agree with some of your posts. In some ways I would have liked to have home educated my children in the infant years. My thoughts were that lots of time is wasted in schools with crowd control etc and 1:1 you can pitch it to their level and interest. My eldest is in year 1 now and absolutely loves it. She is so inspired by what they do. I know it is still early days for her and things are by no means perfect, but they are pretty good.

You can choose to home educate if your situation allows it, but it might not be as bad as you think!

The system is definitely flawed and schools are understaffed and underfunded.

But they are not bad places, and definitely not the horror you're painting them to be. They might be unsuitable to some children's needs, but that's a whole other thread.

Most schools and their staff are trying their best. If their best is not good enough for you or your child,you're welcome to home educate.

maybe I didn’t use the best wording, but I meant things like reward charts, and traffic light systems etc, things that are used as pretty standard. No offensive meant, just if a teacher has 30 kids they are going to have to use techniques that aren’t necessarily ideal if they had smaller groups

Lots of defensive teachers on this thread! It is probably not a conversation you can have on mumsnet because you will get pounced on (from experience) but I agree with a lot of what you say. Although I do think most children are OK with things as they are, a significant minority aren't, usually more sensitive children, those with disabilities or SEN.

I’m sure the teachers are excellent and do their best / my issue is the system which I often hear teachers themselves complain about - mainly due to lack of funding and ofsted and government interference. And so many teachers are leaving because the system is awful and they feel they can’t teach the kids how they want to

You don't currently have, and possible never have had, a DC in school.

So you must be basing your views on hearsay or experiences from years ago.

If you don't like prospect then HE or use a private school that aligns with your views.

The state provides schooling which is generally suitable, but it's definitely table d'hote. If you want/need a la carte, then you'll almost certainly have to look beyond it

i think you completely misunderstood!

I think teachers doing an amazing job and can be wonderful and work very hard!

but the system the teachers and kids find themselves i think is awful. I think schools need smaller class sizes, more TAs, less testing, ofsted completely overhauled and more support for play and child led learning!

State education is hugely underfunded. Particularly for SEND. This has a big impact. Ofsted continues to change goal posts and cause unneccessary stress and admin.

Not just you. I've got kids who've come out the end, and kids still in the system, and lots of what happens in schools is total bollocks. I was once a teacher so no teachers need get arsey with me!

The issue IMO is the government - actually teachers and parents broadly want the same things.

I dealt with it by teaching my kids to focus on what mattered (basically core education, being decent humans, and friends) and ignore the bullshit. I also opted them out of various things.

My kids all loved school, the traitors!

Agree with all on your list but - dream on! The UK is a fucked up mess wrt education.

I think a lot of parents use reward charts or similar at home too. I certainly bribe my kids at times e.g. if you tidy up you can do X.

You do have to accept your child being one of 30 and things not being totally tailored to them but teachers generally differentiate pretty well. Yes smaller classes, different ways of assessing etc would be great but the current model is not that bad in my experience. You read all the negative experiences, as those are the ones people want to share more widely.

Some schools are having Ofsted in this week, at the same time they are doing y6 SATS. Fun times...

No one in their right mind would disagree that in an ideal work class sizes would be smaller and more TAs

Yes smaller classes and more TAs would be good. Some schools have problems with bullying.

But I have zero issues with reward charts and the like. Use them at home myself. Not convinced by doing so I’m setting my child up for a lifetime of mental health problems. 🙄

What do you mean by 'ungentle behaviour policies?'

Possibly things like internal exclusion and solitary which have been shown to exacerbate mental health problems and cause lasting harm?

It's DEFINITELY not just you that has these concerns.

I was in exactly the same conundrum as you two years ago and if it weren't for financial and caring responsibilities I'd definitely be homeschooling right now.

Nordic countries appear to have a totally different approach to education and the results speak for themselves.

I agree.

We chose private school for our children for this reason. Unfortunately it isn't an option for everyone due to cost and availability. I don't think home education suits all children (or all families) but is another option (absolutely not for me or their father).

Taking away playtime which demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the critical role unstructured play has in child learning and development.

Internal exclusion/ isolation which contributes to poor mental health.

Any punishment which incites feelings of shame and inadequacy.

Play time is 15 minutes. Missing one will not cause a mental health crisis. It’s not schools causing a MH crisis, it’s social media & the sheer pressure that exerts over our kids & adults. The pressure to be skinnier, prettier, to have a beautiful house, the latest mobile phone. When I came home from school after another day of bullying in high school, home was a completely safe place. Now, kids have no escape from social pressures, from bullying etc. it moves to WhatsApp, TikTok & Instagram.

Im not remotely worried about school. In fact I adore my daughters school, it’s fantastic & they are thriving. I’m terrified of social media & my girls worrying about their appearance & this constant comparison to others ..

But please, speaking as a teacher, please homeschool your child. Parents like you made me quit my job at one school 😂 bloody exhausting.

No two schools are exactly the same.

Ours certainly doesn't have the things you mention. We don't do reward charts or the traffic light system, and making a child miss playtime is generally viewed as being counterproductive.

We could definitely do with the funding to be able to afford smaller class sizes though.