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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Children in reception and afterschool club

10 replies

RickGhastley · 15/05/2011 15:51

Just looking for a bit of reassurance as I keep reading that a lot of children struggle with tiredness when they start reception.

DS will be starting school in Sept at 4 and a quarter. Because I work 3 days a week he will have to be be in school from 8am-6pm on 3 of the 5 days (breakfast club and after school club). He does 8-6 at nursery 3 days a week and is fine with this.

I've spoken to the afterschool club and they do have reception kids there and they have a quiet area for them to rest.

Is this going to be do-able or will he be too tired to function?

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notyummy · 15/05/2011 15:55

Dd started last year at 4 and 7 weeks. After school club until 530 for 4 days a week. Starts her day at 845 am. By Thursday she is v tired and a bit fractious in the evening, but able to function and generally loves school.

Original poster

RickGhastley · 15/05/2011 16:08

Thank you notyummy that is very reassuring. It's good to hear your DD likes school.

Tis a worry when they are still quite little!

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mycatoscar · 15/05/2011 16:37

my dd did 3 days a week 7.30-6 until she went to school in sept

she then started with a childminder for the same hours (plus school in middle) when she started in reception. She was very tired to begin with and does get tired when getting towards the end of term too but she does love school and i dont think the long days have a negative effect on her happiness and learning - she loves going to the childminder where she is the youngest and all the bigger children play with her and are kind to her - I would imagine that an afterschool club would be similar

I am a reception teacher and to be honest, all my class are tired and fractious by the end of terms and at the beginnning of the year = even those that dont have working parents.

He will be fine - and fingers crossed will love school and the club, good luck!

mycatoscar · 15/05/2011 16:38

oops didnt proofread

my dd did 3 days a week 7.30-6 until she went to school in sept

I mean at nursery

way2serious · 15/05/2011 19:26

My DS went to Nursery from 8am to 6pm from 3months and stopped afternoon naps before he was 2 years old. When he started school he went to the before and after school club from day one and has never been any tireder than any other child. If it is what your DS is used to and manages well he will be fine. It really depends upon each child and what they are used to and what they can manage. Don't be worried about what others say you know your child best!

CordeliaCatkin · 15/05/2011 19:35

If he is okay with doing those days in nursery, then he will probably get used to the days in school. But it will take him time because they do get shattered in reception. If you only work three days a week, I would give him reasonably regular duvet days (one day off every three weeks on your day off), make the odd dental/doctor appointment on those days so that he goes in late occasionally. And maybe take a few days leave to cut it down to two days a week in the first term.

neerg · 15/05/2011 19:39

My daughter had to go to after school club when she was in Reception, and I really worried about it, but she loved it- and in the end got cross on the days when I managed to leave work a little early and went and fetched her. Yes she was very very tired- but she loved it ( and was able to sit on an adults lap and watch the others when she was tired).

Original poster

RickGhastley · 15/05/2011 19:51

Thanks for all your responses, it sounds like DS will be able to manage.

He is not a big sleeper anyway (8pm-6am absolute max) so maybe he'll sleep a bit earlier/longer

OP posts:

sunnyday123 · 16/05/2011 09:39

my DD went to nursery 8-5 for two days then when she started school did 3 normal school days and two 8.45-5 days so a big change and she was fine. She also loved it and even now complains when i turn up!

I don't suggest taking her out of school for rest days as i think thats totally unacceptable as kids do so much in school and could unsettle him more! -plus i doubt the school will be happy! Also terms are generally only 6 weeks long. It may start a habit where your DC thinks its okay to miss school - similarly for appointments - still wouldn't do these in school hours if you can help it.

Just plan little as possible in the other evenings and weekends. Although i expect your child will adapt easily and love it! - 4 months later my DD attends swimming and dancing on her other days after school and is hardly ever tired! I actually find my DD is more tired when we do nothing!

witchwithallthetrimmings · 16/05/2011 09:47

most are okay but some aren't. It might be worth thinking of other options just in case. It is not the triredness so much as getting used to the different enviroment

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