A letter published on the Sentinel website, struck a cord with me, as I am sure it will with many parents.
Primary school teachers I think regularly have double standards on time keeping for children.
If you are late dropping your child off at school or late in picking them up, even by a couple of minutes, you are often made to feel as though you are a bad parent BUT when the shoe is on the other foot & children are not allowed into school on time or released on time or even allowed into the cloakroom when the weather is awful, that is fine & no explanation is ever offered.
As a parent I was often kept waiting for my eldest child to be released from school whilst waiting outside when the rain was lashing down, wind blowing a gale or snow storms occurring, was any thought given to parents & younger siblings? Answer - NO!!
So when I read this letter
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/letters/t-school-supportive/article-387582-detail/article.html
I thought this was a good topic of debate to see if this practice is widespread.
I am sure there are many schools that do/would help if asked & be only too happy to do so but whichever this school refers to (& I do not know which it is), surely a little help would not be beyond you? You are supposed to be caring professionals who have chosen to work with children (not something I would choose to do) & helping a mother who is working & has a genuine reason for her child not being picked up at 3pm everyday a little help is all that is required.
If this parent was one, who just could not be bothered to arrive on time, perhaps because they are too intent on watching the last few minutes of a daytime TV programme & think, 'oh they'll be fine if I arrive 10 minutes late', then I would have every sympathy with the school & think that involving an outside organisation was valid.
Teachers, come on have a little thought on occasion for parents, stood outside waiting in the cold & rain, whilst you are dry & warm & have a little compassion for those parents that need it.
This mother is a parent you should be supporting & helping not worrying her & threatening her with outside agencies.
One last statement before I hand over to you for your thoughts & comments.
J Bloor - What a wonderful caring person you sound, I wish there were many more people like you around, you should be applauded.
