extended schooling

[Sandra]

I've been hearing alot lately about the idea of the extended schooling/wrap around care. Basically school age children (4 years and up) go to school for 8am have breakfast in school, attend for the normal school day, then stay afterwards for their evening meal, and leave school at 6pm. I was curious as to what everyone else thought about this idea, please reply with your comments on this, don't be shy say what you think.

[Sandra]

Ok I'll say my bit first. I think it's a really bad idea, you'd never see your children, if it became compulsory then I'm afraid I would not send mine for those times. I think the current school day is plenty long enough as it is, by the time half term is due most children are showing signs of exhaustion as it is, most children start becoming ill towards the end of terms, mainly due to them feeling run down, and that is just on going to school for 6 hours a day.....what will 10 hours do to them. Besides that I like my children being home for breakfast and evening meals.

[Jen]

This is just another way to get Mothers back to work; it’s cheap child care. What child would want to stay in school for 10 hours? Most don’t even like being there for 6. I would also find it difficult to believe that most parents would want that too.

Family time is so important, why would anyone want to take measures to prevent this from happening.

I do understand that some families require that both parents work, but I am sure there are better alternatives to child care than this.

I too love having my kids around (even though they fight and sometimes drive me up the wall) I am one that will not be taking advantage of this offer.

[dawn breaks]

A work mate of mine works just so she can put her child in a nursery just like this.What is the point of working. She obviously can't or doesn't want 2 look after that child. Can't c the point of having kids in the first place if u r going 2 do this.

[bookworm]

This topic affects me on a personal level as I am currently attending school. There is no way I would want to be in school for that amount of time each day. I realise that we would not be studying for all that time but it is way too long to be away from the house. I enjoy being with my family at mealtimes, even if we do argue, it's an important part of family life. :mad: :(

[louise]

It would be a great help if i could take my son to school early before going to work, but i would not wish him to be at school for ten hours a day. I have to work three days and will have to rely on family members to take and collect my
son when he begins school. An evening meal to be provided before going home
- is thisthe same meals that Jamie Oliver has reported about in our schools ????

[mamma mia]

I hear what you're saying Louise it must be quite awkward arranging babysitters etc. I take my grandchildren to school, and not everyone has someone to help out. However it would be an awful long day, maybe ok for the teenagers who wouls perhaps enjoy an afterschool club but a 4 year old??

[Toony]

If you cant take your kids to nursery/playgroup then whats the point of having them?, I feel that I am very very lucky to be able to stay at home with my two children and see their first steps, words etc.

[Sandra]

I feel fortunate that I was, and still am, able to take and collect my children from school, and I am of course always home for the school holidays. It must be very difficult for those who work hours that clash with school's timing.