bringing DS home from school for lunch

[ScramblyEgg]

DS is in Reception & is at the moment doing a mixture of mornings and full days, but coming home for lunch on the full days. He did try staying for lunch and playtime a few times at the beginning but found it nightmarish.

The SENCO and I had agreed that the long term plan would be to have 1to 1 support for DS during lunch & playtime, but I now think he needs a proper break from it all in the middle of the day so I want to carry on bringing him home.

Can the school stop me doing this?

I think the only problem with this, is that los often don't want to go back after lunch! Even if they initially agree it to it.

I suspect the school will say it is a matter of getting used to it.

HOWEVER, I think for some children the reception day is just too long and that is the problem rather than lunch itself. My son did half days long after the school's "policy" was that everyone was settled into full days (he was March birthday). The school was happy with that because they could see how his behaviour deteriorated when he was overtired/overstimulated. By January he was doing full days without problem.

Just to get it in perspective, in Ireland they don't do full days till year 1, and full days are only till 1.30 (with packed lunch at 12) shorter playtime obviously. Sports activities in afternoons are laid on, but optional for those happy to stay longer. Aged 8 children are still only expected to stay till 2.00pm. In Germany schools end at 1.30, with an 8.00am start, and again less playtime during that time.

The English system of Reception starting at 8.50 and continuing till 3.10or 3.20 only began in the late 70's or 80's. Before that children went home for lunch or to childminder etc at Reception Age.

So far he's been fine going back after lunch - he likes the more structured parts of school, so I don't think that will be a problem.

I'm really more concerned about whether there's any legal requirement for him to stay at school for lunch.

Does school have a SEN lunch club? Might be worth considering whether that's an option if so. Calmer, quieter environment for children who find the playground too overwhelming.

Otherwise,I think if it works to bring him home for lunch, you can, yes.

No, they unfortunately don't have a lunch club.

The planned 1 to 1 would just staying in the classroom with him, but Isuspect there would be a certain amount of pressure to get DS into the playground at some point. Last time he was pushed to go in the playground he ended up school refusing, which I want to avoid happening again.

When is the planned 1-1 due to start? The other thing I'd be a bit wary of is whether it will allow the school to drag its heels on producing the 1-1 if your DS is out of school at lunchtimes; it might be quite convenient for them in that as far as they're concerned, the problem is solved.

No date for the 1 - 1, but I actually don't want that to happen at the moment anyway. Ironically I think the school is more keen on that than I am! Good point though.