Odd, or not?

[NeverendingStoryteller]

I was wondering if your kids get out of school on time every day? My kid's class is almost always 10 to 15 minutes late out of class. It's causing difficulties because we're late to after school activities - I also think this is a bit disrespectful. Is this normal for primary schools?

Also, my kid was barked at by the teacher the other day for losing a school-provided pencil. Kid was told to go to her desk and look up the price-list for pencils, and told that he'd have to bring the money in to replace it. I was never approached about this, and the school has never communicated this 'policy'. Is it normal to ask 8 year olds to pay for lost items, without asking the parents? I found kid going through their own wallet to get the money - this is the only way I found out!

I'm not sure what is normal - is this how your schools operate. Sorry for the ignorance - I don't have other friends with primary school age children, so would really appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

I have never come accross that -the charging for lost items . (DC in y3 and y1). It seems very weird to me that they charge your son not you. I would be def. upset.
Regarding the lateness, our school is not too bad. Every now and then they might be slightly late, but I don't notice much. If it was 10 or 15 min I would have a word with the teacher and explain that I need my child at the door at the appointed time or we'll be late for whatever comes next. Not nice!

One of my children attends a school that is always very late letting kids out. I found it incredibly difficult especially with other kids, matters reached a head a few weeks ago when the head decided with no warning to move the morning door close time to five minutes early and enforce it harshly - kids were actually within 3 foot of door and it was closed.
At a meeting with the head it was pointed out that is is rather hypocritical to enforce a strict punctuality rule in the mornings and then not show the same respect to parents at end of day - I have to say since then things have been considerably better.
As for the pencil - I have never encountered that sort of operation.