Primary school work load is too much

[confusedinlondon]

I am simply unable to cope with the work load that the teachers are sending home. My partner is out at work all day and I am working from home. I have a 5 and 6 year old and I need to monitor them to constantly. I need to sit with them to watch the videos and then explain the work. I cannot just them to get on with it and the work load is too much. My employer isn’t being flexible; they have basically told people to just do it which means working till 10pm. For Monday my son has white rose maths video, worksheets and plus 5 additional worksheets.
It’s not helped by the fact our school seems to have a number of stay at home mums who seem to be willing to boast about what their children have done. I feel like screaming at the teachers. They have shown no kindness or consideration, they haven’t phoned to check on the kids at all.

I think it's no win situation for school, when gov expect them to set 3 hours of work everyday for primary children. 3 hours of work at school and at home is totally different.
I would just let the child do as much as they can, and try not to get stressed about it.

why is it that whenever someone starts a thread on school work over/underload some sanctimonious person always has to spout shit about other countries not starting kindy/school/reading/maths till age 6/7/8/9
who cares! this is our system and we have to put up with it

simonisnotme, it's a bit mean to call people sanctimonious, don't you think?
Whatever country you live in, children develop equally. Sometimes people in UK may need to stop and think that other countries don't start formal education until 6/7. So, it's fine if the child is coping, but if not, there's nothing wrong to feel that it's too much to do formal learning at age of 4/5, and think they will catch up. Those who says things like that are just trying to reassure parents with young children.

I may be setting too much work - I really don't know.I know some work quickly and get more parental time. I have said to all of my class/parents to do what they can, and focus on maths/English.

Like others have said,nothing will ever be right for everyone. We can only try. I do know I'm working so many hours (I have three year groups as well as being on a rota for KW etc) especially as Google classroom is new to me. I spent £50 on my own graphics tablet this week too to improve my online ability to demonstrate and looking at teacher forums we're all doing the same.

I would very much imagine the teachers would totally understand. And yes, it's utterly crap. If my children are safe, happy and doing SOMETHING, then that's a good start.

OP I’m glad you’ve calmed down, perfectly fine and good to rant.

Everyone’s said on here basically the same that there is no right answer and there’s absolutely no way to please and satisfy everyone. The playing field is very out of balance right now (and tbh always has been in education in many ways) and you’re not alone.

I second phoning the school. I’m a teacher, I’ve spoken to all the parents and had reactions of all extremes. Give them a ring (it may be that you arrange a time for teacher to call you back depending on who you get through to you, or just email them direct and arrange a time) and just calmly and politely express your concerns and your situation. You won’t be the first. Ask what you should prioritise. Ask what you can do instead.

Also agree with the level thing - I’m sending out worksheets (I don’t do this many worksheets at all normally) at different levels and have started sending out work titled “optional extra / extension” to ease the pressure on parents and satisfy the ones who want more.

A 5 and a 6 year old - so either Year R and 1 or 1 and 2? I teach reception, my personal recommendations, should you be struggling with completing the actual set work:
At that age, reading! Ten minutes of reading each day so that there is always exposure. Oxford Owls has a free section with the school reading books on.
Top Marks is a very good website to use on a tablet for maths games - I realise leaving children unattended for long is an issue obviously but if they are the type who can sit on an iPad for half an hour and leave you be, explore some of the maths games on here. At least then if you’re not able to do the set maths for example, they’ve done some (in a hidden way)
Word flash cards around the house that they’re working on in phonics or spelling or whatever - constant exposure and quickly pointing them out and running through them a few times a day (literally just “what’s this word again? Was! Well done off you go”

Ultimately, the literacy and maths. If you can’t do it all, these subjects one a day will be of the most benefit.

Just to add on the phone calls and work, it’s another rock / hard place situation. I’ve phoned parents who have basically said (mostly very emotionally) what you said, they haven’t had time and it’s too much, so I’ve told them what to prioritise and given suggestions based on the child. Likewise I’ve also been asked to leave them alone! Some parents have said it’s too much work, some have said they’re done by 11am and want more! We’ve been instructed to “check in” but don’t pressure parents for work, but also keep tabs! There’s no winning answer here. The plan for next term is major catch up and consolidation.....