4 year old got outside school gate today to car park

[Triggles]

I am extremely upset as when I went to pick up my 4yo DS (on his 3rd day of reception), the teacher told me that he had gotten out of the school gate from the playground and into the driveway and carpark, which is laid out so that about 30 feet to the left is a major busy street. I am absolutely livid, as:

1 - we were told the reception children didn't go into the main playground but played in a separate more secure playground. (which I'm now being told is not correct, that they play in the main playground for about 45 minutes at lunchtime)

2 - the teacher made great pains to state that the reason this happened was because he (DS) opened the gate and walked out, which the children are not supposed to do, and that "none of the other children have a problem with this rule" so now he has to sit/stand with one of the dinner ladies that monitors the playground during this time and hold their hand instead of playing. (rather than simply locking or monitoring the gate instead )

3 - I told his teachers (2 of them, they job-share) that he is a runner and will need extra attention until he is clear on the rules of where he can and cannot go. And that the first week or so would probably be the worst as he would be feeling a bit "exploratory" (isn't that pretty much common sense??) in a new surrounding. The teacher today said "well, we don't have enough staff to monitor him 1 on 1".. well, okay, then LOCK the stupid gate or monitor the GATE when they are out there playing.

I was very clear with her that I was not happy with the situation, especially that he was put in danger. She also mentioned in passing that on Friday he had made for the gate... (nobody told us about this!) shouldn't this have put them on guard about him and the gate so that today's incident shouldn't have happened??

I just get absolutely ill thinking about what could have happened... what if they hadn't found him in the carpark?? There is a main entrance directly to the road right there (in fact, he would have had to cross the small road by the carpark, which has limited view, so cars coming from either direction wouldn't see him until they were right on top of him. And another entrance on the other side of the carpark (it's a small carpark and he could be across it in a matter of minutes) that is always open as well, so he'd be out and lost in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. of course, there's the obvious concern about getting run over by a car as well.

I'm thinking of speaking to the head tomorrow and telling them I am not happy with this situation. The teacher thinks that he should be holding hands (for 45 minutes??) with the dinner lady on the playground and not playing tomorrow and then they are going to put a sign on the gate to remind him not to go through it. Personally, I think the gate should simply be secured during school hours and unlocked at beginning and end of school day, just like the other pedestrian gate. This is just a little wooden halfgate that is only closed by a shoot bolt. Doesn't this seem a more reasonable option??

I am also concerned that they are quick to point the finger at a 4 year old, rather than the fact that their lack of supervision allowed him to get to the carpark. Yes, he needs to be warned about safety, but it's his 3rd day.. and he's 4... and it's an insecure gate which makes it unsafe IMO...

I also question whether or not they advised the dinner ladies on the playground that he was a runner and a concern. I suspect not, as the teacher stated that they have NOW been warned. I'm so angry!!!! And I don't feel confident AT ALL in their ability to keep my child safe.

Any opinions or suggestions would be helpful, as right now I am simply to cross and freaked out to think clearly.

Thank you, by the way, to the many that offered support and helpful advice on this thread. I do appreciate it, and thank you also for the information on the way things are set up at other schools!

Pixie hope your daughter is better today.

orm I wanted to find out if they were required to lock the gates, or if due to fire safety reasons they couldn't lock the gates.. that type of thing. Rather pointless making any suggestions pertaining to locking the gate if they weren't allowed to.

Triggles, you could just as easily have googled to find that information. Did you tell the headteacher that you'd phoned Ofsted to speak to them regarding the situation? I am perfectly aware of Ofsted's function, thanks. I am just concerned that you think that was a reasonable thing to do in those circumstances before you spoke to the head about it - but of course, you can do as you wish, and phone Ofsted for advice on every issue you come across, it's none of my business.

feenie sigh sigh sigh... ok, let's review this ONE MORE TIME....please pay attention.... That is what Ofsted is there for, to provide information. Why should I spend hours browsing around the internet reading through a bunch of different things and trying to decide if they apply or not, when I can utilise a perfectly legitimate and helpful resource and call Ofsted for information?? (If YOU, however, have nothing better to do with your time - and this seems to be the case - then you feel free to google away.) And ffs, if you'd bothered to read the gazillion times I posted this - I called them to get info so I could make an INFORMED suggestion on solutions, which means I wanted to speak to them PRIOR to speaking to the headteacher. They have been updated that the headteacher is making arrangements to fix the problem and were perfectly happy about it. I don't give a flying fig at this point if you're "concerned" that I think it was a reasonable thing to do or not..... Ofsted is there to be utilised.. you know, not EVERY dealing with Ofsted is to "go after" schools and teachers, but to get info or advice. Of course, if you are aware of Ofsted's function as you say you are, then you should already know this. I fail to see why you are still wittering on about this. (oh, and shall I mention AGAIN that they do not regulate primary schools, so that they would not do any type of investigation anyway?!?! that's for the LEA to do!)

...wandering off, looking for the "beating head against a wall" emoticon to use for those who think it necessary to ask the same question repeatedly or witter on about something that is perfectly reasonable....

If you 'only' wanted information, why couldn't you have asked in a general way - why did you insist on naming your specific school?

Do what you like - you go ahead and speak to Ofsted, naming the school in the process, which belies your before speaking to the headteacher like any reasonable person would. Oh, and good luck with forging that longlasting, effective working relationship with the school, I'm sure the head is fervently thanking her lucky stars that you named her personally in your perfectly legitimate 'quest' for information.

Actually, on second thoughts, I see perfectly why you had to get your facts straight first if you can't have a sensible, rational discussion without being so very rude and getting yourself in this kind of a state.

@ Triggles: I would have been very upset and worried in your shoes as well and, to be honest, I would probably be standing outside that gate at break times until I was sure it was fixed.
I disagree with those who believe that a 4-year old boy should be able to follow those instructions - some might be, others not, just as some 4-year-olds can read and others can't. And I am firmly of the better safe than sorry school of thought.

However:

I also agree with those who feel that you have gone too far contacting Ofsted before speaking to the head. I understand - and I think that probably everyone understands - that one of Ofsted's functions is to give out information but the head of your school may not see it like that once the LEA get in touch. It is sort of a bit like going to your HR department to ask a question about your boss' behaviour - sure, it is a way to get information but it is not a good or advisable way. I therefore disagree with your last post.
You mention that you have other children, including older ones. In that case, you will know that during a child's school life, you will have a number of issues and there will almost certainly be times when you need the cooperation and support of the teachers and head teacher. You need these people on your side and you need to pick your battles very carefully. Perhaps you would say that this one is a battle worth fighting as it affects your child's safety: fine but I think that you should also consider that you have just spent a great deal of credit somewhat needlessly by going to Ofsted immediately. I would agree with Feenie on the importance of fostering an effective, long-term relationship.

That's fine. The headteacher had no problem with it, as she also understand that Ofsted doesn't regulate primary school. (ok, going to have to get a macro for that)

No point repeating it any more. I'm happy with the situation, the headteacher is happy with the situation, and that's it.

If you have a problem with Ofsted being used as a resource for information, that's not my problem.

Ye, 'cos because, of course, she's bound to confide in a parent her feelings about said parent going straight to Ofsted without having the courtesy to speak to her first, isn't she?

Using Ofsted purely as a resource for information did not have to involve naming the school, as you must know. So why did you?

sorry - this ofsted thing - there's schools round here that have failed their ofsted inspection because the school grounds were insecure and strangers could get in unannounced (and presumably also children could escape)

Triggles, I think you handled this well.

I know of several situations were parents have not "made a fuss" about incidents, but whinged behind the teachers back.

You have made sure another little boy or girl doesnt "escape".

Hope he was ok at school today.

Triggles - I would have been equally dismayed at the situation. I think you've handled it well, and I'm glad it's been resolved satisfactorily.

Feenie - is there really any need to be cloak-and-dagger with the information given to Ofted? I'm sure the headteacher is adult enough to take on board this parent's dissatisfaction on a fairly major security issue. In fact she is probably just thanking her lucky stars that that it has been brought to light before a dreadful accident occurred.

Also, my DS has just turned four, and if we were in England he'd have started school. He's definitely a "young" four year old, and although he's not a "runner" and generally not a deliberate rule-breaker I could easily envisage him wandering off out of an unsecured gate out of curiosity. I'm genuinely surprised at the posters who have condemned this behaviour as naughty or undisciplined!

"is there really any need to be cloak-and-dagger with the information given to Ofted? I'm sure the headteacher is adult enough to take on board this parent's dissatisfaction on a fairly major security issue. In fact she is probably just thanking her lucky stars that that it has been brought to light before a dreadful accident occurred."

I'm sure she is - but usual procedure would simply be to speak to the headteacher. The head in this case fully appreciated the situation and instantly implemented the solution. There was no need to go over her head.

Many schools have failed inspections because of poor safeguarding - it's a huge deal at the moment. The op didn't know whether or not her complaint could have triggered an inspection, and her actions on this front were therefore inappropriate, and are unlikely to help build good relationships with the school. I have no doubt that the headteacher was polite to her - she is a professional person - but the op is now needlessly marked out as a parent to be very wary of.

Summersoon's post of Tue 07-Sep-10 20:33:23 outlined this delicate situation very well, and the possible implications of the op's ringing Ofsted.

Shineon, the headteacher agreed that the staff were negligent, and put many measures into place to address the situation as soon as she was told - and after Ofsted were alerted.

The OP has already stated her perfectly valid reasons for speaking to Ofsted. And so what if she triggers an inspection....if the school's got "nothing to hide" then it wouldn't be a problem. The inspections aren't a punishment!

so what - if they need inspecting they need inspecting. I can't believe you are putting the politics of schools before the safety of children.

the gate should be locked. end of.

An unsecured gate is just madness. report to ofted.

Can't believe what a flaming the OP is getting on here.
Her DS is 4 FFS!

When I taught Reception there was always one or two each year who needed that little bit extra attention for whatever reason. (Anecdotally, this was often summer born boys)

So, say the OP has brought her just turned 4 child into school and explained that he was nervous going to the toilet on his own in strange places and that he'd need gentle coaxing for a week or so until he familiarised himself with the classroom. Then the child was picked up wet through because 'they cannot be expected to watch him 1 to 1' Would this be acceptable? Of course not!

In the first couple of weeks of term, the NN or TA in a Reception class is usually doing 1:1 or 1:2 with those little ones who just need that bit extra at this time.

We're so quick on here to state how you cannot expect them all to be reading by Christmas because they develop at their own pace yet we cannot accept that a summer born Reception child may not be developmentally ready to understand the dangers of bolting.

Triggles, glad the HT was so understanding and you've managed to sort it out. They do have a duty of care but it sounds like they are addressing the weakness in this area.

Ofsted inspections 'not a problem'? Okay then..... Having been through a fair few, I wouldn't say they are a problem, but they are certainly stressful, and I wouldn't like to work through an 'extra' one because Ofsted decide they may just like to drop in a little early.

Parents have a responsibility aswell in building partnerships with the school to help their child's education. There is no reason why a headteacher shouldn't be the very first port of call when issues arise. Of course, if a satisfactory outcome isn't reached then complain to the governors, LEA, or Ofsted - in no particular order. But give the headteacher a chance first, fgs. What can possibly be gained by running to Ofsted without giving a head any chance at all to address something? The op didn't ring Ofsted purely for information - she named and shamed the school in question.

Haven't read whole thread (sorry) but would just like to note that at ds's infant school, the only gate access during school hours had a small latch that the children couldn't reach...until recently, when a small padlock was added during playtimes only, so that nobody could leave or enter the premises at playtimes without teacher/adult of similar status knowing about it. The incident that Triggles reports couldn't have happened in either of these circumstances and I hope your school introduces something closer to the latter.

PS at ds's junior school, during school hours, you can only get into the school via a door controlled by the office - you talk into a speaker and have to go straight to the office when they let you in. Again, nobody gets in or out... Triggles, you are right to take this issue seriously.