No lockers and no lunch rooms - is this the norm?

[pickledsiblings]

A school that I am familiar with appears to have no seating arrangements for students who choose to have packed lunches. Some of the Y11 girls have resorted to eating theirs in the loos .

The same school also does not have any lockers or cloakrooms for students. I was just wondering if this is the norm and would be greatful for any replies before I sit down and draft a letter to the Governors.

It is a State Comprehensive Senior School with around 1200 students.

You're not wrong David-it takes some getting used to.

'Take your mum to school day' would be very enlightening.

They do get ushered out of the loos and moved along if they are noticed Davida. Yes to patrol duty, with walkie talkies.

It is the whole lack of decent provision that makes them feel undervalued. The walkie talkies just make it seem a bit like a juvenile detention centre to me when all the rest is taken into account.

Walkie talkies (probably coupled with CCTV) would make me feel uncomfortable for a reason I can't put my finger on. If there is a real emergency, all adults have a mobile phone and they can always send a pupil runner to get help. There is something 'calculating' about a walkie-talkie. I can just hear them say "all quiet on the western front". I guess it is something about expecting negative behaviour and 'big brother is watching you'.

I would expect, in independent schools the ideal world for duty staff/teachers to be building relationships with pupils rather than waiting for them to misbehave.

That is exactly what you should expect in any school David. You seem to have a very distorted view of state schools.

Davida, are we in agreement that the lunchtime provision in the Independent Sector is altogether more civilised than in the State Sector?

So, my next question is, is any of this likely to impact on exam results?

[greatful=grateful in OP, oops!]

It can be more civilised, it need not be and should not be.

My view of state schools is my own (limited) experience and what is posted on this thread. If the situation weren't bad, this thread wouldn't exist.

I am not saying there are not poor state schools. However I do not think they are the majority , I suspect the number would be fewer if concerned parents stayed within the system .

Pickledsiblings, what is your interest in this school? Why do you think parents are so unaware of the lunchtime/locker situation if you know about it? Surely unhappy pupils will tell their parents? I know it's like trying to get blood out of a stone to get ds1 (13) to impart important information about Options Evenings, end-of-year exams etc to me but I hear all about people on report, mucking around in the playground, etc.

Why should concerned parents stay within the system?

To help improve schools and provide an education experience which is apartheid free. I know lots of concerned parents who have chosen to stay in the state sector. It is only on mumsnet that independent education is considered a necessity.

annh, I have an insider's perspective and even at that it took about 6 weeks before I became fully aware of the situation.

I want to do something to help which is why I thought of writing to the Governors. This thread is a way for me to clarify my thoughts on the matter whilst keeping them in perspective.

Thanks again to all of you. More stories welcome!

So independent school parents would improve state education? Is that what you are saying?

With all their sharp-elbowedness, fourxfours (cars, not husbands), general lah-di-dahness?

Having a mix of students and families is one of the things that would improve state education .

Just CCTV at Ds1's school. No people with walkie talkies.

"I know it's like trying to get blood out of a stone to get ds1 (13) to impart important information about Options Evenings, end-of-year exams etc to me but I hear all about people on report, mucking around in the playground, etc."

Molly, there is a good mix (lots of MC parents) at this school yet this kind of thing is allowed to go on. The Head makes all the right noises to the MC parents and all the while their offspring are sitting around on the floors etc eating their lunches.

I have taught in two comprehensives- neither had lockers for students but both did have reasonable dining rooms where everyone could sit to eat.

In the two independents I have taught in everyone had a locker and access to a common room. Dining facilities were excellent.

I have never heard anywhere of anyone having/wanting to eat in the toilets- yuk.

My children's school has very small lockers that can be rented, but they are not necessarily close to their form rooms and their primary use is as a place to stash (still muddy & steaming) PE kits rather than transport them to/from school. I have to beg to get those home to be washed/checked for size/completeness etc.) Apparently there's no room to fit books in as well, which always come home just in case they are needed for homework and definitely no room for spare footwear that is more sensible for walking to/from school, a warm and/or waterproof coat, etc.

Has anyone written to the head with concerns. If that gets you no where the governors, lea. Still no where petition from parents and go back to governors and lea or mp. If needs be go to the press . Have you a PTA?

Molly, how would one actually go about petitioning parents? I don't think there is a PTA.

First thing you need to do is establish a PTA.

You get a group of you to stand at the school gates. Stand in the local town/ village. Or you perhaps do something online.

"Having a mix of students and families is one of the things that would improve state education."
As a parent with one in state ed and one in independent boarding I don't think I make a scrap of difference to my DS's state school. I am not "sharp-elbowedness, fourxfours, general lah-di-dahness" just a normal MC working parent I attend parents evening school function etc. and generally support the school but hope that neither schools wants or indeed needs any excessive interfering input on my part!
P.S. At DS1s school lockers are provided I haven't got the faintest idea about packed lunches because I have no intention of ever providing the things.
P.P.S. Just asked DS2 they can eat their packed lunches in the dinning room!