Whilst the rest of the city carries on as normal - most of us getting into work - vertualy every School is closed down. I got into work from my home in south Derbyshire traveling through 3 towns and up the motorway. Kids live close to their respective schools so it's obviously the bone idle teachers. Guess it's not enough having shorter hours and 6 times more holiday than the rest of us! I can understand that one teachers absence can impact on a huge number of kids being tought but a big secondary school in the middle of the city! Wants treating with contempt!

According to radio sheffield the teachers still have to go in, its only the children who get to stay off.

I was just about to ask why the schools were closed today, but this seems to answer it?
I don't remember my school ever being closed from snow. In fact I remember being made to run around playing hockey in it!
How come everyone else has to go to work but children and teachers don't? And what about the parents who now have to not go to work to stay at home and look after their kids because they can't go to school?

Ok, before any teachers go mad I apologise for the last sentence of my post, but it does proper get my back up. I note that teachers have to go in some schools but only a handfull from what I made out on radio sheff. Why not the kids? That makes even less sense. Piling it down right now. M1 should be nice at 6pm this evening!

Originally posted by leddi
According to radio sheffield the teachers still have to go in, its only the children who get to stay off.

Um... I don't! And I'm a teacher.

In all honesty, I too find it bizzare that as soon as it snows, us teachers are indignant if we have to go in whilst the rest of the population still have to make it into work.

I can only attribute the closure of schools to health and safety. In that...

a) Most schools are extremely old, and have antiquated heating systems which tend to pack up if subjected to temps lower than 1 degree

b) Kids are wappy (technical term) when it snows, and alot of kids have been seriously injured through "harmless" snowball fights. We've had a couple of kids karted off to hospital with snow related injuries.

ok ok so not all the schools but the radio did say that some schools were closed for children open for teachers for quite a few, one even said could all the teachers from the lower school make it in to the upper school. sorry if this doesn't apply to you.

Hundreds of kids converging on one place, bad roads, and (hundreds of) cars sliding all over the place. Health and safety maybe?

Who knows,eh?:clap:

Well I for one am more than happy!

A day off work, no attempting to walk up Hawthorne Mountain (Road) and breaking my neck in the process!

We're off to the park to make snowmen instead!

HA HA HA HA, what shall i do with my paid day off.

Think just sit around doing nowt, maybe build a snowman, wooohhhooooooo. Might even go sledgin down the plateaus (sp?).

Anyway, the rest of yer have a fun day at WORK. Muhhhahhhhaaa.


:D

We'll remember the next time you all pissin and moanin about pay and conditions. Never had this crap with a conservative government! Bring back thatcher!

I don't know why i feel so guilty about not making it into work today, i don't get paid and i am completely supernumary anyway. i'm not a teacher i just gatecrashed the thread, soz.

Originally posted by NJMUK
We'll remember the next time you all pissin and moanin about pay and conditions. Never had this crap with a conservative government! Bring back thatcher!

Absolutely, we never had snow under Thatcher, bloody Labour government :hihi:

Originally posted by mat1978
Absolutely, we never had snow under Thatcher, bloody Labour government :hihi:

We did though, more than this but teachers were not allowed to take the p......

if the rest of the country can make it to work teachers should do the same.
even if they decide for some reason not to have the kids in. Afterall, don't you have lessons to plan and things to mark. If you listen to teachers normally that's what they apparently do througout their 13 weeks of holiday.

As to kids being wappy, we had snowball fights when I was at school and no-one ever went to hospital.

Originally posted by mat1978
HA HA HA HA, what shall i do with my paid day off.

Think just sit around doing nowt, maybe build a snowman, wooohhhooooooo. Might even go sledgin down the plateaus (sp?).

Anyway, the rest of yer have a fun day at WORK. Muhhhahhhhaaa.


:D

Hey! Some of us like work!

I'd rather be here in my nice warm office, with endless toast and cups of hot tea, than be playing outside freezing my gonads off :D

Grow up Mat, and don't get into any snowball fights with kids - unless you want the local vigilante mob to pay you a visit :suspect:

Originally posted by Cyclone
As to kids being wappy, we had snowball fights when I was at school and no-one ever went to hospital.

I did. Broke my nose, it was kicked by a kid down on the floor who was being pelted with snow by a couple of dozen of us. It's never been the same since.

Pretty strange feeling though, falling face-first into the snow, lifting my head up to see only red everywhere. Then realising it was my blood that was everywhere, turning a big circle of snow read.

BTW I've heard of quite a few non-teachers who aren't at school today. Not to mention parents who are taking a sicky to look after their kids. And judging by the number of cars I saw doing 180-degree spins in the road outside the school yesterday as they tried to bring themselves to a stop, I'd say it's a lot safer to keep the kids away rather than risk anything (I also sawone car mount the pavement and nearly run over a group of students because the driver was so busy trying to avoid hitting the car in front). And this is in Walkley: it must be worse further out of town.

I think you will find this was done last year here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7689&highlight=teachers+snow)

I wouldnt mind but i got a call at 6.50 this morning to tell me i wasn't in and haven't been able to get back to sleep.

Do you know how hyper these kids are when it snows?

They stop the school buses and many catchment areas are quite wide ranging so a lot of the kids don't get in anyway. Most teachers and other staff do not live in their catchment areas either, who'd want to live near the kids they work with, it is terrible when you meet them in the pub (the older ones of course).

It isn't the staff that make the decision either. They just get a call to say school is closed.

Originally posted by DanSumption
And judging by the number of cars I saw doing 180-degree spins in the road outside the school yesterday as they tried to bring themselves to a stop, I'd say it's a lot safer to keep the kids away rather than risk anything (I also sawone car mount the pavement and nearly run over a group of students because the driver was so busy trying to avoid hitting the car in front).

But I thought that all children were ferried to school in those huge 4x4 trucks?

Aren't those vehicles supposed to cope with this weather :hihi:

Originally posted by Cyclone
Afterall, don't you have lessons to plan and things to mark. If you listen to teachers normally that's what they apparently do througout their 13 weeks of holiday.



And that's exactly what the majority of teachers will be doing today, only at leisure and without the usual pressure and time constraints I should think.

Originally posted by Abdul
But I thought that all children were ferried to school in those huge 4x4 trucks?


Oi! This isn't Kensington & Chelsea y'know :)

Actually, my daughter's friend is driven to school in a 4x4. She was saying yesterday how much fun it was coming in, driving past all the cars that couldn't start and then couldn't stop.

Dont know if anyone's mentioned this but according to a teachers text on radio sheffield, its the head teacher that has the final say on school closures not the teachers.
so the teacher's have to follow their rule.

I remember a big snow fall in 74-75 and we walked to work from lane top to pitsmoor.
wont catch anyone doing that now.

And the head at Tapton didn't get in yesterday cos of the snow, but didn't close the school.

Why is assumed on this site that schools are closed because teachers can't be bothered to go in?

Most schools are closed because the buildings are so old and the heating systems so poor it means the temperature inside the school is below the legal health and safety temperature. Meaning the schools have no choice but to close. Unless of course you want your children to go into school and get hypothermia?

The reason why our schools are so inadequate of course is another debate altogether...

Are you saying bcause kids get hyper you cannot control them?
So is that a reason to close the school?

In the past my children have been sent home many a time because the teachers couldn't get in. They lived Peak district etc.

Perhaps the Head wouldn't close the school if he/she knew his/her teachers lived within a reasonablle distance.
hazel

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
Why is assumed on this site that schools are closed because teachers can't be bothered to go in?

Most schools are closed because the buildings are so old and the heating systems so poor it means the temperature inside the school is below the legal health and safety temperature. Meaning the schools have no choice but to close. Unless of course you want your children to go into school and get hypothermia?

The reason why our schools are so inadequate of course is another debate altogether...

i feel that you might be fibbing.

i've not heard that the schools have been closed on cold days (and we've had some that are colder than at the moment).

hypothermia ,
bit of an exageration to say the least.
kids go outside playing hours in the snow.
mines gone out now.
dont think temperatures below normal in a classroom will cause hypothermia.

some kids in this country are molli coddled too much- parents are to blame.

Originally posted by Cyclone
i feel that you might be fibbing.

i've not heard that the schools have been closed on cold days (and we've had some that are colder than at the moment).

When I was a kid my school was once closed because it was too cold. There was no snow about, just a problem with the heating.

It's one thing for kids to be running around, generating heat, for an hour or two in the cold. It's something else for them to be sitting still for a whole day. Under those circumstances, if the temperature was low enough, it's certainly possible that some could get hypothermia, especially if they had got wet trekking into school through snow and if they were suffering from other illnesses such as a cold.

Originally posted by tara
kids go outside playing hours in the snow.
mines gone out now.


Mine went out earlier. The eldest is still out there, playing happily. The youngest came back in about ten minutes, shivering and complaining of being too cold.

6 weeks off school and all those holidays its disgracefull, make them work longer......Well if some of you actually worked in a school for a day you would know the truth. I work in a school, not as a teacher but a support worker (Building officer) I see what time the staff arrive, usually before 8am and leaving anytime between 5-6pm. So bofore you start to have ago at teachers come into school find out how things really work before you say thing you know nothing about. The reason children are told not to come to school when its snowing is partly health and safety reasons.

Yup, my school is closed to students but open to teachers, same as a lot in Sheffield. I don't teach thursdays anyway but if the snow continues tomorrow I am expected to go in and do marking and stuff.

hi mine are at school in killamarsh and schools on top of hill and still managed to walk it i no my sons teachers not from round here and she made it in

Originally posted by pete1962
6 weeks off school and all those holidays its disgracefull, make them work longer......Well if some of you actually worked in a school for a day you would know the truth. I work in a school, not as a teacher but a support worker (Building officer) I see what time the staff arrive, usually before 8am and leaving anytime between 5-6pm. So bofore you start to have ago at teachers come into school find out how things really work before you say thing you know nothing about. The reason children are told not to come to school when its snowing is partly health and safety reasons.

yeah, it's hard working isn't it. 8 - 5 or 6 is nothing unusual, I just don't get 13 weeks of holiday a year.

DanS - If the heating was broken then i'd agree completely.
But to suggest that most of the schools in Sheffield close whenever the temperature drops to around freezing is clearly nonesense. They are closed because of snow, not because of the temperature, otherwise they'd be closed 4 days out of 5 over the winter.

Originally posted by pete1962
6 weeks off school and all those holidays its disgracefull, make them work longer......Well if some of you actually worked in a school for a day you would know the truth. I work in a school, not as a teacher but a support worker (Building officer) I see what time the staff arrive, usually before 8am and leaving anytime between 5-6pm. So bofore you start to have ago at teachers come into school find out how things really work before you say thing you know nothing about. The reason children are told not to come to school when its snowing is partly health and safety reasons.

Wow, 8 till 5! A normal working day for many. I work 9-6 travel from near Derby, sometimes get in around 8 but I don't get 13 weeks off and another god knows how many days everytime there is a little snow.

Yea 8-5or 6 in school and then take home piles of book to mark at home, have you ever worked in a school?

As I stated before one reason is health and safety, some parent look at school as a easy target. if a child bumps his head or slips on a wet toilet floor that another pupil pissod on then they claim off the school. I have noticed the increase in claim made against schools for accidents have risen in the past few years, not because health and safety is being over looked but because so people take and chance they can to make a few pounds, by claiming.

Its the way of the world, and to be honest it stinks.

For those of you whinging - you chose your job! I actually dislike teaching and plan to leave but I chose to do it so on my head be it!

Originally posted by NJMUK
Wow, 8 till 5! A normal working day for many. I work 9-6 travel from near Derby, sometimes get in around 8 but I don't get 13 weeks off and another god knows how many days everytime there is a little snow.

If being a teacher is such an easy job why don't you do it?

Your ignorance on what is involved is quite breathtaking.

Originally posted by NJMUK
Wow, 8 till 5! A normal working day for many. I work 9-6 travel from near Derby, sometimes get in around 8 but I don't get 13 weeks off and another god knows how many days everytime there is a little snow.

well are you "At Work Now?" there is a difference between being at work and being on the internet!

If teaching is such a good job, with so much holiday and benefits then the obvious question is why isn't everyone doing it...?

Originally posted by NJMUK
Wow, 8 till 5! A normal working day for many. I work 9-6 travel from near Derby, sometimes get in around 8 but I don't get 13 weeks off and another god knows how many days everytime there is a little snow.

You chose to live so far away from work that you have so long to travel. And the decision is not made by the staff.

How many other work places are shut today? How many people have not got into work? Are you gonna moan about all them as well?

Oh and when im at work im at work WORKING, not sat pi**ing about in here.

Originally posted by NJMUK
Wow, 8 till 5! A normal working day for many. I work 9-6 travel from near Derby, sometimes get in around 8 but I don't get 13 weeks off and another god knows how many days everytime there is a little snow.

are you going to moan about others that cannot get into work aswell? I work in the City Centre and cannot get to work because the busses are not running... oh wait thats another lot of people that cant work (in some cases) because of the snow.. the bus drivers... you going to complain about them too? Or is it just the teachers you have got it in for?

I also work in the city centre and couldn't get my bus as usual.... I just put my walking boots on and walked to the nearest main road instead... ;)

Fortunately that's only 10-15mins away, and if I'm careful I don't even fall over!! :hihi:

Originally posted by Briano
I also work in the city centre and couldn't get my bus as usual.... I just put my walking boots on and walked to the nearest main road instead... ;)

Fortunately that's only 10-15mins away, and if I'm careful I don't even fall over!! :hihi:

the bus i catch it the only one around where i live that takes me where i need to go

Originally posted by Kirsty_87
are you going to moan about others that cannot get into work aswell? I work in the City Centre and cannot get to work because the busses are not running... oh wait thats another lot of people that cant work (in some cases) because of the snow.. the bus drivers... you going to complain about them too? Or is it just the teachers you have got it in for?

I used to live in Nether Edge and work in town. Have been known to walk. Ooops sorry I'm not thinking of the less abled or those who live further afield. We are talking about over 300 schools in south yorkshire and north derbyshire!

Originally posted by fuzzy
You chose to live so far away from work that you have so long to travel. And the decision is not made by the staff.

How many other work places are shut today? How many people have not got into work? Are you gonna moan about all them as well?

Oh and when im at work im at work WORKING, not sat pi**ing about in here.

Sorry, I thought it might be reasonable to spend a little time on here seeing as I don't p*ss off to the pub for an hour on my lunch!

Originally posted by Yodameister
If being a teacher is such an easy job why don't you do it?

Your ignorance on what is involved is quite breathtaking.

Never said it was easy. Lets stick to the point!

Originally posted by NJMUK
We are talking about over 300 schools in south yorkshire and north derbyshire!

And??

So it is not just Sheffield school staff. I bet loads of people are off today cos of the snow. All over the country.

Nice to see you are working so hard now you got there. ;) ;)

Originally posted by NJMUK
Never said it was easy. Lets stick to the point!

Yea lets get back to the point, teachers and support work in school the ones that, wipe your kids noses when they are sent to school with cold, wipe up their sick when you send then feeling ill, clean up after they have the runs, have to listen to talk how they are treated by their parents, play social worker, doctor, dentist, come on teachers do a sterling job and shounld be appreciated not slated.

Originally posted by fuzzy
And??

So it is not just Sheffield school staff. I bet loads of people are off today cos of the snow. All over the country.

Nice to see you are working so hard now you got there. ;) ;)

well put

Originally posted by fuzzy
And??

So it is not just Sheffield school staff. I bet loads of people are off today cos of the snow. All over the country.

Nice to see you are working so hard now you got there. ;) ;)

Yeah, I am starting to get tied up with all this!

I should point out that when I post an argument I'm not saying I'm 100% right. A few points raised are valid, heath and safety, the fact that teachers might not get a choice, there is a shortage of teachers so be one etc etc. I don't mind if people blow my arguments out the warter or educate me at all so sorry if people are genuinely offended. If I'm a little provocative it gets people giving the other side of the argument.

Originally posted by pete1962
Yea lets get back to the point, teachers and support work in school the ones that, wipe your kids noses when they are sent to school with cold, wipe up their sick when you send then feeling ill, clean up after they have the runs, have to listen to talk how they are treated by their parents, play social worker, doctor, dentist, come on teachers do a sterling job and shounld be appreciated not slated.

I know they do!

yeah you should appreciate the teachers, come on, you probably wouldnt be doing the job you are doing now if it wasnt for them!

lol.
the fact that teachers get so defensive about it is quite amusing.

2 of my aunts, and my sister in law are teachers. I've got a fairly good idea of how much work is involved.

I don't do it myself, because despite the good holidays I don't like teaching, I don't like kids and it doesn't pay enough.

I'm on the net because i have 2 machines and each time i set something going on the other one I have a few minutes to read posts whilst I wait for it to complete.

I never said my job was harder or easier than teaching (although for me it's certainly more enjoyable), the hours I work though are at least as long as most teachers. And i don't take the opportunity to bunk off work because of a little snow. If i did all i'd do is work from home anyway.

Originally posted by pete1962
Yea lets get back to the point, teachers and support work in school the ones that, wipe your kids noses when they are sent to school with cold, wipe up their sick when you send then feeling ill, clean up after they have the runs, have to listen to talk how they are treated by their parents, play social worker, doctor, dentist, come on teachers do a sterling job and shounld be appreciated not slated.

i don't have any kids, and they get paid to do this, what's your point?

Originally posted by Cyclone
And i don't take the opportunity to bunk off work because of a little snow. If i did all i'd do is work from home anyway.

Bunk off work? what about those that cant actually GET to work transport wise???

My Dad was and still is a resident Buildings Officer for a school. The school was once closed for a week because it was too cold. It was warmer than our house (supplied by the school) as we had no central heating.

Some teachers work hard and some don't, just like every other job out there you get your slackers and your hard workers. Although I still laugh at a teacher telling my Mom she wouldn't cope with the hours - my Mom's a nurse working shifts - hmmmm

Snow, love as a kid...loathe it as an adult.

Originally posted by Cyclone
i don't have any kids, and they get paid to do this, what's your point?

Bull **** they are paid to teach not to be social workers, doctor dentists ect. If some parents get their act together got a job and looked after there lovely children the teachers could do some teaching.

Originally posted by Kirsty_87
Bunk off work? what about those that cant actually GET to work transport wise???

How many miles from the city centre do you live?

Originally posted by NJMUK
How many miles from the city centre do you live?

about 6 miles why?

Originally posted by thomsongirl
My Dad was and still is a resident Buildings Officer for a school. The school was once closed for a week because it was too cold. It was warmer than our house (supplied by the school) as we had no central heating.

Some teachers work hard and some don't, just like every other job out there you get your slackers and your hard workers. Although I still laugh at a teacher telling my Mom she wouldn't cope with the hours - my Mom's a nurse working shifts - hmmmm

well put

Originally posted by Kirsty_87
Bunk off work? what about those that cant actually GET to work transport wise???

it's fair enough then. but until that happens to too many teachers there's no reason to close a school.
Unless it closes everytime the temp drops <0 because the heating is shafted.

if i'd been home last night i might not have made it to work myself. It's a long drive to birmingham.

They wouldn't have closed work down for me though. And i'd have probably ended up working from home.

I hope the chaos isn't too bad this evening, I don't fancy an extra hour in the car trying to get home.

Originally posted by Kirsty_87
about 6 miles why?

Fair enough, had you said 2 or something I'd have said walk. When I worked in the city centre people living in areas like Sharrow / london road would call in saying they could not get to work when it was snowing and there were no busses.

but if the teachers cant make it in to school then whats the point in bringing the kids to school if no one is there to teach them?

I am a teacher who was instructed to come in to school. I sit with not a great deal to do as I write this. Picture the scene;

I work in a school that buses in the majority of its students from outlying districts, who, if they arrived would have no guarantees on how and when they return. Parents do not take kindly to this scenario.

The site itself is treacherous, letting kids out would be and often is a health and safety nightmare. Keeping them in all day is not an option as you know if you know kids.

Even if students do come to school from the locality there may not be enough teachers to supervise as they are stuck in commuting traffic. Again an unacceptable predicament from H&S point of view.

School managers are damned if they do and damned if they dont.

Open the school and if little Johnny gets injured or home late parents are straight on the phone to complain.

Close the school and its time for what seems like a growing national past time in bashing lazy teachers, made all the worse by moronic threads like this and that pratt of a radio presenter Toby Foster.:rant: over

Originally posted by Herbert
and that pratt of a radio presenter Toby Foster.:rant: over

Toby Foster is a top bloke! My thing is the fact that it's just about every single School. The weather simply isn't that bad everywhere.

School managers are damned if they do and damned if they dont..

Well said, Radio Sheffield should keep its DJs in check, what right has he to start a war about something he knows jack ---- about hey why dont we invite him into school, let him see how it really is

I hope you don't teach your students that having a discussion is moronic if you don't happen to like the way it's gone.

You don't have a great deal to do? But what about the things that you spend your 13 weeks of holiday doing, the lesson planning and marking?

I see that some schools might have good reasons for closing. The buses being one.

And obviously if insufficient teachers can make it then there's no point in it being open.

But how many teachers really can't make it? If the school phones you to say it's closed, then they had no idea how many teachers wouldn't make it in.

As to the H&S issue. This is probably partly to do with the increase in ridiculous litigation and certain peoples desire to make money and lay blame.
The school acts in loco parentis between school hours, but if someone slips on the snow outside then no court in the land would find that they were negligent. Not unless every parent that allows their child to go out in the snow is equally negligent.

I suppose it might require a bit of effort to grit the walkways and yard, that's only reasonable afterall, but beyond that I don't see why snow makes you liable for anything beyond the norm. I presume that schools in countries where snow is more common have figured out a way to stay open through the winter?

Well I made it into College - 50 mins. on the bus; then again, it isn't snowing. :D

I wonder if HS is closed.

Alex

The Head has to make a judgement call first thing based on snow depth and weather forecast. Based on the state of both of these this morning it is surely understandable why so many schools are closed. Add to this that there is a legal ratio which needs to be met with regards to teachers and pupils then even if the teachers make it in to school, if they live further away and are late and the children who attend are local and thus are there in mass, surely you can see the problem?
It astounds me how many people are quick to jump on the bandwagon of slate the teachers!
BTW - I'm a parent and like many of you.. at home with my two kids... enjoying our time together!

cause they couldn't set off early now could they.

Maybe for every day closed for snow, the schools should open for a day at the easter half term holiday.
I bet a lot more teachers would suddenly find it possible to get to school then.

Originally posted by Cyclone
I hope you don't teach your students that having a discussion is moronic if you don't happen to like the way it's gone.

You don't have a great deal to do? But what about the things that you spend your 13 weeks of holiday doing, the lesson planning and marking?

What I teach my students isn't really relevant here. What I refered to was the title and general direction of this thread. I am delighted people have their say I just wish they were a bit more informed.

Just had half term so all marking and planning are up to date. :heyhey:

I was wondering if it's the same there as in the States when school closes for bad weather, the teachers here don't like it one bit as they have to make up the time in the summer months, so do the kids, ever day off is made up at the end of the school year.

Originally posted by Herbert
made all the worse by moronic threads like this

If calling the thread moronic is the best rejoinder you can come up with then i'm surprised.

What you teach is relevant as comments made on here reflect on your character, which is probably of interest to the people who's children you do teach.

Originally posted by Cyclone
cause they couldn't set off early now could they.
As far as I can tell.. depending on where you live.. setting off earlier would have just been more dangerous!

Okay, our neighbourhood nursery is in Middlewood, the staff all turned up (even one from treeton!), the nursery is open and the parents were breathing a sigh of relief because they can go to work.

The local schools, Marlcliffe, Hillsborough, Malin Bridge
ALL CLOSED.

Which begs the question, do the powers that be just assume people wont be able to attend, our staff didnt even consider calling in, they just took their time and were still in on time to welcome the children.

:thumbsup: Little winners neighbourhood nursery (http://www.geocities.com/middlewooduk)

I agree that this seems odd... they are all close to each other and yet the nursery is open and the schools are shut. Again the problem is ratio. If only one teacher can't get in and the school is unable to arrange supply which is likely on a day like this then there is a problem. Nursery staff ratio is much much higher.. blame the government... at 4 children have a ratio of 1:8, a few months later at the start of school the ratio is 1:32.... don't get me started!

:clap:

exactly, our staff ratio has to be much higher but we managed it, dedication is what you need. I had an important business meeting this afternoon but was unable to attend because my kids go to marlcliffe and its shut.

another wasted day, but the kids really enjoyed sledging in middlewood park! :hihi:

Staff ratio has to be higher yes but the way nurseries are funded usually gives more flexibility for ratios as they are able to mix ages in order to cover them legally.

Good on you for the sledging! I've been too miserly (and full of cold!) to do much more than watch the kids play on the doorstep!

Here’s a good time filler for you all.

The next time it rains heavily, or snows like it is doing now, stand outside your local primary school and look at the way the kids are dressed.

Years ago it would be wellies with a spare pair of shoes or PE slippers to change into, mac or overcoat of some description, and a full belly from breakfast. When lessons started the kids would be dry from the start.

Nowadays it’s leaking, badly fitting trainers with no spare footwear, short fashionable and expensive coat but usually not waterproof, thin nylon trousers and invariably a bag of crisps inside their stomachs. These kids then have to spend the day trampling water around, and sitting in freezing cold wet clothes. Of course, there is then a school full of staff running around all day trying to deal with sick or crying kids who have headaches, chilblains, earaches, are throwing up, or are generally (and rightfully so) miserable, uncooperative and switched off. Pure neglect on the part of the parents.

Where spare dry clothing is available, probably donated for emergencies by caring parents, these are provided to the worst effected kids. That is usually the last we see of them though as the kids go home in them and never bring them back. Of course you could phone the parents and request that they bring in some fresh clothes for THEIR kid, but the outcome is invariably the same…”Can’t, I’m too busy” or “They’ll be okay till home time” or “Sorry, I’m at work.”

If the school is cold then these problems are compounded. Support staff are tied up seeing to these kids all day instead of doing what they are there for. And no!! Dealing with neglected kids isn't part of their job, they do it because they care - usually more than the parents do!!

Home time comes. Several parents fail to turn up for their kids. Excuses range from “Snowed in,” to “Stuck in town.” Some don’t even bother to contact the school, they just don’t turn up till ages after the school is closed. No apology, no thanks for keeping an eye on their kids when the staff have other things they should be doing.

Maybe this is just ONE of the reasons why some headteachers choose to leave the school closed on days like this.

Am also wondering which of these moans about school closures is the most popular amongst the parents who are moaning;

a: It’s not fair! My child is missing a day’s education.

b: It’s not fair! I’m lumbered with the little brat.

c: It’s not fair! I can’t go to work.

d: It’s not fair! Why have teachers got an easier job than me?

e: It’s not fair! If I was a teacher, and my boss had told me the school was closed, I’d still turn up and sit on the doorstep cos I’m getting paid to be there. (Yeah..right
:loopy: )

all good points, but are you sure that it used to be so different in the past? When did todays generation of parents get so bad at doing their job?

And why do parents have to turn up at school before the kids go home?

[And why do parents have to turn up at school before the kids go home?]
You mean just let them leave without their parents?

Right... A nursery holds a lot less children than a primary/secondary school does. There is what.. 2 teachers in a nursary for around 10-15 kids.. a primary school holds has approx 400-500 children, one teacher per 25/30 kids. If so many fo the teachers are off due to the snow then the other teachers that have made it to school have to fill in , giving them an extra 20 + children to teach as well as their own class, maybe more dipending on how many teachers are unable to make it.

A Secondary school holds alot more than a primary school does, with probably twice the amount of teachers. If so many teachers cannot make it to a secondary school you have to put the kids into other classroom. PLUS teachers in secondary schools are more often than not qualified to teach a certain subject. If you have got 2 maths teachers whom cannot make it to school where are you suppose to put the kids who are supposed to be learning maths??

At such short notice you cannot really call in a supply for every teacher that cannot make it into school!

I went to school up north, and we used to get a fair amount of snow year on year.

Now they never closed the school ever, there was one occasion four years ago when we got sent him, on a snowy day because the boiler had broken down, so there was no heating in the class rooms and apparently it posed a health and safety risk.

The students who travelled in via bus were allowed to not turn up, as they had to cancel the bus services in very cold weather (snowy or icy) as the only route into the school for the buses was up a very steep hill which the buses can't make it up (and was frequently closed when it snowed...). However anybody who lived in the immediate area was expected to walk in, and teachers were expected to be there.

I do however remember a time when I was sent him in the snow, because I'd worn a pair of hiking boots to school instead of black shoes, and therefore wasn't wearing the correct uniform. So having walked a mile and half in the snow to school, I was made to walk a mile and half back, to put on black shoes and then walk back into school. My next door neighbour caught me, and wanted to know why I'd been sent home, when I told her she walked all the back to school with me and ending up shouting at my head of year for being so irresponsibly and being such a bitch!

I've been down to the union for my seminars this morning, but in true student style I'm going to skip my afternoon lectures and have a snowball fight or three with my friends who I've pursuaded to also take the afternoon off! Snow like this comes but once a year, and we might as well make the most of it ;)

Cyclone- why have you twisted this thread around to be a personal attack at teachers?

If your place of work told you that you had to have the day off would it be acceptable to say that you were "bunking off"?

Have you ever taught? If the answer is no then you have no idea how easy/difficult the job is so why don't you stop whining and leave the teachers to do their jobs without constant criticism.

Originally posted by saxon51
Here’s a good time filler for you all.

The next time it rains heavily, or snows like it is doing now, stand outside your local primary school and look at the way the kids are dressed.

Years ago it would be wellies with a spare pair of shoes or PE slippers to change into, mac or overcoat of some description, and a full belly from breakfast. When lessons started the kids would be dry from the start.

Nowadays it’s leaking, badly fitting trainers with no spare footwear, short fashionable and expensive coat but usually not waterproof, thin nylon trousers and invariably a bag of crisps inside their stomachs. These kids then have to spend the day trampling water around, and sitting in freezing cold wet clothes. Of course, there is then a school full of staff running around all day trying to deal with sick or crying kids who have headaches, chilblains, earaches, are throwing up, or are generally (and rightfully so) miserable, uncooperative and switched off. Pure neglect on the part of the parents.

Where spare dry clothing is available, probably donated for emergencies by caring parents, these are provided to the worst effected kids. That is usually the last we see of them though as the kids go home in them and never bring them back. Of course you could phone the parents and request that they bring in some fresh clothes for THEIR kid, but the outcome is invariably the same…”Can’t, I’m too busy” or “They’ll be okay till home time” or “Sorry, I’m at work.”

If the school is cold then these problems are compounded. Support staff are tied up seeing to these kids all day instead of doing what they are there for. And no!! Dealing with neglected kids isn't part of their job, they do it because they care - usually more than the parents do!!

Home time comes. Several parents fail to turn up for their kids. Excuses range from “Snowed in,” to “Stuck in town.” Some don’t even bother to contact the school, they just don’t turn up till ages after the school is closed. No apology, no thanks for keeping an eye on their kids when the staff have other things they should be doing.

Maybe this is just ONE of the reasons why some headteachers choose to leave the school closed on days like this.

Am also wondering which of these moans about school closures is the most popular amongst the parents who are moaning;

a: It’s not fair! My child is missing a day’s education.

b: It’s not fair! I’m lumbered with the little brat.

c: It’s not fair! I can’t go to work.

d: It’s not fair! Why have teachers got an easier job than me?

e: It’s not fair! If I was a teacher, and my boss had told me the school was closed, I’d still turn up and sit on the doorstep cos I’m getting paid to be there. (Yeah..right
:loopy: )

WOW thats about summed it up, great!

Originally posted by Cyclone
all good points, but are you sure that it used to be so different in the past? When did todays generation of parents get so bad at doing their job?

And why do parents have to turn up at school before the kids go home?

Yes Cyclone, it was so different in the past. Even the poor kids were made to get wrapped up. Maybe the neglectful parents these days are safe in the knowledge that there will always be some agency to bail them out and look after their kids (including the school) when they can't be bothered or the novelty of being a parent wears off.

And as for kids waiting for their parents at school is concerned, these kids are doing exactly what they have been told to do...."Wait till I collect you at 3:15, and don't wander off!" Some of these kids are only 5 years old remember, and may have a couple of miles to go to get home!

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
Cyclone- why have you twisted this thread around to be a personal attack at teachers?

If your place of work told you that you had to have the day off would it be acceptable to say that you were "bunking off"?

Have you ever taught? If the answer is no then you have no idea how easy/difficult the job is so why don't you stop whining and leave the teachers to do their jobs without constant criticism.

I don't think I did, someone else did, I just carried it on because I don't like to see spurious reasons give for things.

I have taught, although not in the same environment as you. I'll be there tonight, 6:30 at Sheffield uni after leaving work early from Birmingham at 4. I probably won't get any dinner before, I don't get paid for my time and I could be training instead of teaching. But either way, I doubt the snow will stop me.

yeah i just checked, I didn't twist it, this is the first post in the thread

Whilst the rest of the city carries on as normal - most of us getting into work - vertualy every School is closed down. I got into work from my home in south Derbyshire traveling through 3 towns and up the motorway. Kids live close to their respective schools so it's obviously the bone idle teachers. Guess it's not enough having shorter hours and 6 times more holiday than the rest of us! I can understand that one teachers absence can impact on a huge number of kids being tought but a big secondary school in the middle of the city! Wants treating with contempt!

Originally posted by saxon51
Yes Cyclone, it was so different in the past. Even the poor kids were made to get wrapped up. Maybe the neglectful parents these days are safe in the knowledge that there will always be some agency to bail them out and look after their kids (including the school) when they can't be bothered or the novelty of being a parent wears off.

And as for kids waiting for their parents at school is concerned, these kids are doing exactly what they have been told to do...."Wait till I collect you at 3:15, and don't wander off!" Some of these kids are only 5 years old remember, and may have a couple of miles to go to get home!

fair enough, 5 year olds shouldn't be walking 2 miles on their own.

but surely that's not all the kids, i expect that most live within walking distance, don't they?
I spose it only takes 1 or 2 to tie up a teacher though.

oh well, someone start a blame the parents thread :clap:

I went to primary school in the early 80s and I remember distinctly being either sent home or not going in when it snowed. I hate this "it was better in the old days"

Also imagine the amount of carnage there would be on the roads in the usual school run with parents driving children to schools. Its a recipe for disaster - just let them have the day off.

Infact we should all have the day off - shut the country down for a few days... .;)

Originally posted by Cyclone


but surely that's not all the kids, i expect that most live within walking distance, don't they?




Truth is that a lot of kids (5-11 years old) are not collected by parents, but by aunties/uncles, grandparents etc who don't actually live close to school. Even some 11 year olds are collected on a regular basis for various reasons such as fear of bullying, avoidance of contact with estranged parents, suspicious rumours of attempted kidnappings, or just because the kids aren't yet mentally or emotionally mature enough to go home on their own. It's a funny old world, but that's the way it is now, and schools are right in the thick of it, attacked from both sides.

Originally posted by pete1962
Yea lets get back to the point, teachers and support work in school the ones that, wipe your kids noses when they are sent to school with cold, wipe up their sick when you send then feeling ill, clean up after they have the runs, have to listen to talk how they are treated by their parents, play social worker, doctor, dentist, come on teachers do a sterling job and shounld be appreciated not slated.

I agree totally with Pete.
My other half has been to school for the past two days (30 minutes drive away on some b roads) and yes she gets loads of holidays.
If you want to do the same, i suggest you go to university and get a BA Hons degree.

Originally posted by jimmy
I went to primary school in the early 80s and I remember distinctly being either sent home or not going in when it snowed. I hate this "it was better in the old days"

Also imagine the amount of carnage there would be on the roads in the usual school run with parents driving children to schools. Its a recipe for disaster - just let them have the day off.

Infact we should all have the day off - shut the country down for a few days... .;)

I agree. And I love the idea that nature makes us all slow down for a while... if we can have a holiday for a royal wedding then why not surrender for a moment to the forces of nature? I appreciate that many people in essential jobs need to work but I'm sure there are many workplaces that could shut for a couple of days without too many repercussions?

Originally posted by Cyclone
I have taught, although not in the same environment as you. I'll be there tonight, 6:30 at Sheffield uni after leaving work early from Birmingham at 4. I probably won't get any dinner before, I don't get paid for my time and I could be training instead of teaching. But either way, I doubt the snow will stop me.

Oh poor you cyclone...you do have it hard don't you?

And by the way, yes maybe it would only take some children a few minutes to get home. But what if they were bundled into a car by a paedophile on the way. Who would be to blame then?

At the end of the day teachers have to follow rigorous health and safety routines. That is why some schools are closed today. The teachers don't just decide to "bunk off", they are told they can't come into work. It's very simple to follow, maybe you are just jealous?

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
Oh poor you cyclone...you do have it hard don't you?

And by the way, yes maybe it would only take some children a few minutes to get home. But what if they were bundled into a car by a paedophile on the way. Who would be to blame then?

At the end of the day teachers have to follow rigorous health and safety routines. That is why some schools are closed today. The teachers don't just decide to "bunk off", they are told they can't come into work. It's very simple to follow, maybe you are just jealous?

not really, i already said if i wanted to teach i would, i don't want too.

The danger of paedophiles is greatly exaggerated by the media. Do you think that these children all stay indoors once they get home?

I wasn't looking for sympathy (even false sarcastic sympathy) just making the point that most people can make it to work, and I really don't see why teachers should have a day off.

I'd be all for everyone getting a day off, make it a bank holiday whenever it snows hard. Might have to put up with the continentals laughing at us since they can manage to keep a country running when it snows.

Not sure why i'd want a BA Hons, spose I could have gone to less lectures if i'd been doing a BA instead of BSc.

NJMUK, as you are the thread starter, would it be possible for you to enter a poll with the following options?

a: I work at a school and agree with closures.

b: I work at a school and disagree with closures.

c: I do not work at a school but agree with closures.

d: I do not work at a school but disagree with closures.

Just a thought.:thumbsup:

Originally posted by pete1962
School managers are damned if they do and damned if they dont..

Well said, Radio Sheffield should keep its DJs in check, what right has he to start a war about something he knows jack ---- about hey why dont we invite him into school, let him see how it really is

Crikey, I'm a DJ.

I think we need to keep things in context Pete. It's hardly a war.

There are a couple of points though. I hear the "kids will be in danger if there's not enough supervision" argument, but surely if the teachers just went to school like the rest of the country, there'd be enough supervision. I've not checked, but I assume the ambulance drivers and the bobbies are working?

Also, the health and safety angle interests me. Sky news is chock full of images of kids bombing downhill on placky bags, which to me looks relatively dangerous. Surely kids would be safer in school?

I have been invited to schools Pete, indeed I've spent time working in schools in various guises, providing drama and comedy courses for several different areas. Last year, as part of the station's Children's Festival, we spent the day teaching stand up comedy to what was described to us as "difficult" kids at a Rotherham Comprehensive. We had a wonderful time, and by the end of the afternoon got a minute of stand up from each of the class down on video. It was great.

I must say, I've today had by far the largest number of nasty texts and emails that I've ever received, each of them spelt correctly.

Not sure why i'd want a BA Hons, spose I could have gone to less lectures if i'd been doing a BA instead of BSc.

Nice one Cyclone, My type of sarcasm :)

Originally posted by Toby
Crikey, I'm a DJ.


Also, the health and safety angle interests me. Sky news is chock full of images of kids bombing downhill on placky bags, which to me looks relatively dangerous. Surely kids would be safer in school?

I have been invited to schools Pete, indeed I've spent time working in schools in various guises, providing drama and comedy courses for several different areas. Last year, as part of the station's Children's Festival, we spent the day teaching stand up comedy to what was described to us as "difficult" kids at a Rotherham Comprehensive. We had a wonderful time, and by the end of the afternoon got a minute of stand up from each of the class down on video. It was great.



But Toby, these kids on their placky bags are under the control of their parents so any misfortune won't leave the schools to compensate.

These 'difficult' kids would have seemed okay to you because they were being entertained, not taught. There's a difference you know!!!

Originally posted by Cyclone
The danger of paedophiles is greatly exaggerated by the media. Do you think that these children all stay indoors once they get home?

I would agree..but the problem is that in the very unlikely scenario that something did happen teachers would be to blame. It is often ridiculous...but you can't blame the teachers for that. The nursery I work at was told weren't allowed to make pancakes this year because of "health and safety". It's all gone a little crazy but teachers are not to blame.

Ooops sorry Toby, but if your big enough to give it you have to be big enough to take it...but I do think that nasty text and emails is not the answer. its wrong to be personal about these things we are always going to have disagreements about jobs and who does what......on saying that your jobs not too bad is it, work a couple of hours in the morning start a massive debate and then disappear to be while the debate gets going. Im sure you are agood DJ and You are not related to President (war mongerer) Bush. keep up the good work

Pete

is it a teachers fault if children walk home and something happens... I don't really see how it can be. Not if the walking is at the behest of their parents anyway.
We aren't talking about the odd child here and their either. Presumably it would be large numbers walking home.

The main street through my village used to be filled with children walking home from comprehensive for at least 30 mins.

Originally posted by Toby
Crikey, I'm a DJ.

I think we need to keep things in context Pete. It's hardly a war.

There are a couple of points though. I hear the "kids will be in danger if there's not enough supervision" argument, but surely if the teachers just went to school like the rest of the country, there'd be enough supervision. I've not checked, but I assume the ambulance drivers and the bobbies are working?

Also, the health and safety angle interests me. Sky news is chock full of images of kids bombing downhill on placky bags, which to me looks relatively dangerous. Surely kids would be safer in school?

I have been invited to schools Pete, indeed I've spent time working in schools in various guises, providing drama and comedy courses for several different areas. Last year, as part of the station's Children's Festival, we spent the day teaching stand up comedy to what was described to us as "difficult" kids at a Rotherham Comprehensive. We had a wonderful time, and by the end of the afternoon got a minute of stand up from each of the class down on video. It was great.

I must say, I've today had by far the largest number of nasty texts and emails that I've ever received, each of them spelt correctly.

Alright Toby, I think it comes down to people taking you way to seriously because you throw humor into it! When I started this thread I was open to criticism and people providing a valid argument as to why what I was saying was wrong / out of order. This is a good forum and there have been lots of counter arguments as opposed to people just throwing back abuse which is good!

Originally posted by saxon51
NJMUK, as you are the thread starter, would it be possible for you to enter a poll with the following options?

a: I work at a school and agree with closures.

b: I work at a school and disagree with closures.

c: I do not work at a school but agree with closures.

d: I do not work at a school but disagree with closures.

Just a thought.:thumbsup:

It's been done here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7689&highlight=school+closures)
Sorry NJMUK i wasn't happy becuase we had all the same crap last year when the schools closed because of snow.

In the eyes of the law it is. All the (primary) schools I have ever worked at have had a policy of not letting children home without their parents.

It's crazy but it's the law today so once again, don't go around blaming the teachers.

Just for your information children are also not allowed to be sent home with anybody the teacher doesn't know, unless the parent had already informed the teacher that nan/auntie/ whoever will be picking the child up today. You would actually be suprised how many times I have witnessed a father/mother try to take their child when they have been denied access to the child.

parents are responsible for the kids coming and going from school. School is responsible after 8.40, you would be suprised how many parents drop kids off at 8.15. what happens when something happens to them, they fall get hurt, we put them back together while the parents go to work.. this is what the problem is School is looked on as a baby sitting service, drop them off and forget about them for 6 hours.....then you wonder why we stay closed when it snows

Originally posted by saxon51


These 'difficult' kids would have seemed okay to you because they were being entertained, not taught. There's a difference you know!!!

When we started the day, there were 30 kids who sat looking at their feet, refused to answer us, wouldn't tell us their names, and were completely unresponsive. When we suggested that one by one they stood in front of the class and told us all a joke, we may as well have asked them to fly.

By the end of it, we were videoing these kids in their first ever pop at any kind of public speaking. They were heads up, shoulders back, sparky and confident. We knew all about them, their backgrounds, their homes, their hobbies, their bad habits, everything. They wrote their own material, them had a go at delivering each others material. It was a great day. I hope they were entertained, I certainly was. But I think we all learned something new as well.

Originally posted by fuzzy
It's been done here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7689&highlight=school+closures)
Sorry NJMUK i wasn't happy becuase we had all the same crap last year when the schools closed because of snow.

No worries. I think a year is long enough to re-open a debate on a similar subject.. Why is it crap. I'd say it was more a succesfull thread particurlarly when it's left me considering points that I had not thought about. The whole issue is clearly more complicated than I had originally perceived and that had only become evident with all the points raised in this thread. I still see a situation where perhaps a number of schools have valid reasons or closure, with others jumping on the bandwagon though...

Originally posted by fuzzy
It's been done here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7689&highlight=school+closures)
Sorry NJMUK i wasn't happy becuase we had all the same crap last year when the schools closed because of snow.

Sorry fuzzy, but THAT poll is nothing like the one I suggested. It doesn't indicate the angle the voters are coming from.

Originally posted by pete1962
parents are responsible for the kids coming and going from school. School is responsible after 8.40, you would be suprised how many parents drop kids off at 8.15. what happens when something happens to them, they fall get hurt, we put them back together while the parents go to work.. this is what the problem is School is looked on as a baby sitting service, drop them off and forget about them for 6 hours.....then you wonder why we stay closed when it snows

you 2 just contradicted yourselves, who's right?

just found out i won't be teaching tonight.

Goodwin sports centre are closing now because of the snow. God knows why, but without a venue i'll have no choice but take my students to the pub. Maybe we can have a theory lesson... :hihi:

Schools SHOULDN'T be responsible for children after home-time because they should be gone! But when parents haven't turned up then it is the school's responsibilty to ensure the children are safe. That means not letting them go until their parents have turned up.

But this has gone a little off topic...I still fail to see why teachers themselves are to blame for schools closing? I think we have established it is a decision beyond the teacher's own control, right? So who should we blame?

Originally posted by Toby
When we started the day, there were 30 kids who sat looking at their feet, refused to answer us, wouldn't tell us their names, and were completely unresponsive. When we suggested that one by one they stood in front of the class and told us all a joke, we may as well have asked them to fly.

By the end of it, we were videoing these kids in their first ever pop at any kind of public speaking. They were heads up, shoulders back, sparky and confident. We knew all about them, their backgrounds, their homes, their hobbies, their bad habits, everything. They wrote their own material, them had a go at delivering each others material. It was a great day. I hope they were entertained, I certainly was. But I think we all learned something new as well.

Sound like a real success Toby:thumbsup:

Trouble is though, if you had said "Now we'll do some Maths and English for the last hour," the 'trouble' kids would have reverted to type. This was a one-off for these kids, but core subjects are day-in, day-out, and that's when they get fed up and throw their tantrums.

Originally posted by pete1962
this is what the problem is School is looked on as a baby sitting service, drop them off and forget about them for 6 hours.....then you wonder why we stay closed when it snows

A minority of parents are taking the p*ss so sod it we will too is pretty much what that amounts to!

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
Schools SHOULDN'T be responsible for children after home-time because they should be gone! But when parents haven't turned up then it is the school's responsibilty to ensure the children are safe. That means not letting them go until their parents have turned up.

But this has gone a little off topic...I still fail to see why teachers themselves are to blame for schools closing? I think we have established it is a decision beyond the teacher's own control, right? So who should we blame?

were we blaming, or were we just saying that IOHO schools have no good reason to close?
I believe that between you teachers you made it more about the teachers by bringing in "how difficult" your job is...

To be honest im new to this forum, i joined in because i could clearly see that teachers and schools in general were getting a bad press, mainly because of what comments were made on radio Sheffield this morning.

Just a little more information on the closure of our school, my head telephoned me at 5.50 this morning to ask what the roads were like at this side of sheffield. I walked out to find the main roads clearish but he sideroads were appauling. The decision to close it made on a number of issues, and i can say it is not taken lightly. but even though we warned parents of the oncoming weather conditions and how to find out if we were closed (listen to radio Sheffield who announced our closure with the 6.45 list of closures) I was still getting phone calls from parents at 8.50 to see if we were closed! If the parents cannot listen theres no hope for the kids.

Back on topic. The teachers are NOT to blame for the closure of schools when it snows. It is due to Health & Safety, like Pete stated earlier.

The headteacher is the one that makes the final decision on whether it would be safe for the children to be in school when the snow is bad/heating is working etc. Also, if there isnt enough teachers because theyr unable to get in because of the snow, it is down to the headteacher whether or not to close the school.

Originally posted by Cyclone


Goodwin sports centre are closing now because of the snow. God knows why, but without a venue i'll have no choice but take my students to the pub. Maybe we can have a theory lesson... :hihi:

There you go Cyclone, exactly what happened with most schools! The building is shut so YOU can't go in. Not your fault is it.

Difference is, they won't let classes of 30+ kids in pubs for their lessons.:(

Originally posted by Kirsty_87
Back on topic. The teachers are NOT to blame for the closure of schools when it snows. It is due to Health & Safety, like Pete stated earlier.

The headteacher is the one that makes the final decision on whether it would be safe for the children to be in school when the snow is bad/heating is working etc. Also, if there isnt enough teachers because theyr unable to get in because of the snow, it is down to the headteacher whether or not to close the school.

Kirsty your right!

Originally posted by saxon51
Sound like a real success Toby:thumbsup:

Trouble is though, if you had said "Now we'll do some Maths and English for the last hour," the 'trouble' kids would have reverted to type. This was a one-off for these kids, but core subjects are day-in, day-out, and that's when they get fed up and throw their tantrums.

It's easy when something like this happens to lose track of yourself. I never questioned the job that teachers do, I merely wonder why they can't do it when it's snowing?

Maybe they should just come clean, and admit their snowball fetish.

Originally posted by NJMUK
Kids live close to their respective schools so it's obviously the bone idle teachers. Guess it's not enough having shorter hours and 6 times more holiday than the rest of us!

I think that is blaming teachers quite nicely.

What exactly is the point of this thread? Just a quick moan about teachers? I think you will find the teachers on here starting saying how difficult their job was as a result of a direct attack on them personally. Call it defending themselves.

I'm not a teacher but have worked with a great number and I can honestly say they work extremely hard and manage very well in the face of difficult challenges every day. They have to put up with so much crap from parents and are blamed for anything and everything. Like I said before, maybe we should let them just do their job because in my opinion they deserve nothing but praise and respect.

Originally posted by Toby
It's easy when something like this happens to lose track of yourself. I never questioned the job that teachers do, I merely wonder why they can't do it when it's snowing?

Maybe they should just come clean, and admit their snowball fetish.

Toby you may be right the may be snowball fettish!. but one thing they are not is workshy, and Im sure you will agree with that. i will say this for you you created `something to chat about on this snowy day

Pete

I will tell you this much i have spent some time clearing snow from around school this afternoon and if it freezes tonight you might get the chance to continue this debate tomorrow!

Originally posted by Toby
It's easy when something like this happens to lose track of yourself. I never questioned the job that teachers do, I merely wonder why they can't do it when it's snowing?

Maybe they should just come clean, and admit their snowball fetish.

Toby,

they close the schools for health and safety reasons. Havent you read the earlier posts by Pete? Obviously he is going to know more about it than you because he works in a school, you dont. He knows what the proceedure is when/why the school closes etc.

Originally posted by Toby
It's easy when something like this happens to lose track of yourself. I never questioned the job that teachers do, I merely wonder why they can't do it when it's snowing?



Because if the HEADTEACHER closes the building, the teachers and kids would have to sit outside in the snow!!!!!:mad:

Originally posted by pete1962
Yea lets get back to the point, teachers and support work in school the ones that, wipe your kids noses when they are sent to school with cold, wipe up their sick when you send then feeling ill, clean up after they have the runs, have to listen to talk how they are treated by their parents, play social worker, doctor, dentist, come on teachers do a sterling job and shounld be appreciated not slated.
And this is why I hate my current job - because teaching is something I can only do once the kids deign to sit down and listen after verbally abusing each other and the teacher, after seeing that child X has been able to get to the loo and child Z has their translator and child Y is sent to the nurse.
I had a child in school a couple of weeks ago who was throwing up and looked terrible but he couldn't go home because no one was there. his mother had already taken 3 days off to care for him and couldn't continue to do so. That's terrible.
And again back to teaching, only after I've dealt with the fight outside the classroom and the fact that 20 out of 30 kids doesn't have a single pen or pencil with them. Berated the child who won't shut up and had the one who consistantly beats up another sent out and to the behaviour support sector. Furthermore the child who cannot take part because she is crying in a corner because her home life is terrible and the one who wants me to help him because he is being bullied.
Then there's the kids who barely speak English but have no assistance, what do I do with them? The list goes on.
As I've written before, actual teaching takes up maybe a third of an average lesson after getting them settled etc. I'm so glad it snowed and I hope it's the same tomorrow (please oh please oh please)

Originally posted by NJMUK
Sorry, I thought it might be reasonable to spend a little time on here seeing as I don't p*ss off to the pub for an hour on my lunch!

So my friend you have a long lunchtime dont you!

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
I think that is blaming teachers quite nicely.

What exactly is the point of this thread? Just a quick moan about teachers? I think you will find the teachers on here starting saying how difficult their job was as a result of a direct attack on them personally. Call it defending themselves.

I'm not a teacher but have worked with a great number and I can honestly say they work extremely hard and manage very well in the face of difficult challenges every day. They have to put up with so much crap from parents and are blamed for anything and everything. Like I said before, maybe we should let them just do their job because in my opinion they deserve nothing but praise and respect.

My post was prevocative! It got you all defending teachers though did it not? And from it comes a large thread bringing up lots of valid sensible and reasoned arguments... In the same way Toby Foster was being prevocative with his comments on the show. He might correct me but his objective was the same. Finding out why you have to close the schools! He specificaly said that teachers should tell us why their schools cannot open if I remember rightly. Stop spounting health and safety cos it would apply in rain and freezing conditions otherwise.....

Originally posted by pete1962
So my friend you have a long lunchtime dont you!

Can't you do more than one thing at once!

Originally posted by NJMUK
Stop spounting health and safety cos it would apply in rain and freezing conditions otherwise.....

Yes, and it has been explained before, if a school is less that a certain temperature the children get sent home and the school is closed.

Its unbelievable how you can come on here and slag off teachers like this when they are the ones that have got you where you are now!

Originally posted by NJMUK
My post was prevocative! It got you all defending teachers though did it not? And from it comes a large thread bringing up lots of valid sensible and reasoned arguments... In the same way Toby Foster was being prevocative with his comments on the show. He might correct me but his objective was the same. Finding out why you have to close the schools! He specificaly said that teachers should tell us why their schools cannot open if I remember rightly. Stop spounting health and safety cos it would apply in rain and freezing conditions otherwise.....

what are you on today? what do you mean stop spouting H&S, I will tell you this much working in school a lot of our time is taken up being carefull with all aspects of H&S. And to say we would close for rain or freezing is pathetic, we would never be open, oh but sorry we have 13 weeks a year off, dont we......and are you STILL on your lunch break?

NJMUK- I was merely pointing out to Cyclone about how the blame was being placed on the teachers and quoting your post served that purpose.

And yes, schools do close when the temperature gets too low, whether that is because of snow, rain, ice whatever.

Teachers don't have a say in whether the school closes or not though, so I still fail to see why it is their fault.

And yes Pete is right. Schools can't get away from health and safety...it has become more than ridiculous. But again, NOT THE TEACHER'S FAULT!

Originally posted by saxon51
There you go Cyclone, exactly what happened with most schools! The building is shut so YOU can't go in. Not your fault is it.

Difference is, they won't let classes of 30+ kids in pubs for their lessons.:(

I won't defend the closure of the sports centre though.
I'll call them lazy slackers who've just screwed up everyone else's evening so that they can all go home early.

This temperature one keeps coming back.
Please explain how schools have been open during the cold days of the winter then, but the moment it snows (it's just above freezing by the way) they close?

Zebra you must have the single worst class in the country.
I remember it taking around 5 minutes to get the lesson started when I was at school (1 generation ago for when i started school).

Zebra, you forgot about the three irate parents who gave you a dressing down because...CHILD 'A' didn't eat their dinner yesterday and its YOUR duty to see they do cos mum paid for it,...CHILD 'B' went home with a scratch on their knee from PE and its YOUR fault it wasn't dressed even though the kid didn't tell you about it,.......and........ CHILD 'C' who was called a nasty name yesterday by CHILD 'D' and its YOUR job to deal with it even though PARENT 'C' saw PARENT 'D' on the corridor two minutes ago.

Oh, and I forgot to mention PARENTS 'E' and 'F' who insist on hanging around in the classroom five minutes into the lesson, talking to their kids, or until you have to tell them kindly to sod off so you can get on with teaching.

Finally, PARENT and CHILD 'G' who live 50 yards away turn up at 9:30 AGAIN because "the alarm didn't go off again", and the entire flow of the lesson is now cocked up.

I don't think Zebra has the worst class in the world, having worked in many schools I would say that is fairly typical.

Most of the classes I've worked in have had a number of children for whom English is a second language, a number of SEN children and then there are the children who are experiencing family problems. Admittedly I have worked at some pretty bad schools but I'm afraid this really is the norm.

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
And yes Pete is right. Schools can't get away from health and safety...it has become more than ridiculous. But again, NOT THE TEACHER'S FAULT!

Lucy Im a building officer at a sheffield school and I will tell you why H&S are so important, why we have to make sure everything is stuck, fastened, locked, cleaned, not sharp, nonslip, dry...its to stop all the claims from parents trying to make a quick buck from the local school, I dont know how true this is but I have been told that the council dont even dispute claims as it is too expensive!

Originally posted by pete1962
what are you on today? what do you mean stop spouting H&S, I will tell you this much working in school a lot of our time is taken up being carefull with all aspects of H&S. And to say we would close for rain or freezing is pathetic, we would never be open, oh but sorry we have 13 weeks a year off, dont we......and are you STILL on your lunch break?


Dear god! What I said is if H&S was the main reason behind closing in snowy conditions, you would NEED TO close when it is raining heavy or freezing. This is in the context of which H&S has been used as an excuse in this thread (Wet children and cold class rooms) .... Don't you have some marking to do? Or perhaps it's possible to do it whilst posting on here hhhmmmmm theres a thought!

Saxon - spot on, that's exactly how it is.

Cyclone - I work in a class so close to the bottom of the league tables it's frightening. They are every bit as horrific and worse.
The whole system in schools has changed very, very quickly. teachers have no authority in essence. You can tell a child to sit down or be quiet but the normal response is 'make me'. Obviously I can't, it's illegal and they know it.

Lucy - thankyou. I sometimes wonder if anyone who left school more than 10 years ago has ANY idea how bad it is these days.

I'm a secondary teacher btw so the hormones and attitude are beyond human comprehension at times.

Sure Pete I agree. Parents will blame the school if anything happens to their precious children. But it is so sad because the kids aren't allowed to do anything we used to do. We can't do any cooking anymore and we have had our cooker removed. Apparantly just in case a child burns themself. I remember we used to do cooking all the time in primary school but today's children aren't even given the opportunity.

NJMUK oops have i upset you?

I am a building officer, responsible for clearing the snow and all aspects of H&S to day i have cleared snow, answered the telephone and generally been around school since 5.50 this morning. No other staff have been in, they are having a extra day off, and they deserve all they can get.

having left school just nearly two years ago i know what you mean about the state some schools are in. Once of the schools near where I live, the teachers have to walk around in pairs because the kids are that bad!

Originally posted by pete1962
NJMUK oops have i upset you?

I am a building officer, responsible for clearing the snow and all aspects of H&S to day i have cleared snow, answered the telephone and generally been around school since 5.50 this morning. No other staff have been in, they are having a extra day off, and they deserve all they can get.

Sorry you've pointed that out before come to think of it. I think we all deserve more time off! I suppose thats where these comments come from in the first place. Part of it is the fact that we all want the day off! I'm big enough to admit that. Some of my comments were provocotive, some hopefully more constructive as I've pointed out that since starting the thread plenty of valid points for closure which I would not have considered have been raised......

Can i just ask one thing... WHY are you blaming the teachers for closure of schools? Once you have explained then maybe we can actually have a debate about what this topic is actually about rather than sliding off arguing about others things to do with the school...

Originally posted by NJMUK
Sorry you've pointed that out before come to think of it. I think we all deserve more time off! I suppose thats where these comments come from in the first place. Part of it is the fact that we all want the day off! I'm big enough to admit that. Some of my comments were provocotive, some hopefully more constructive as I've pointed out that since starting the thread plenty of valid points for closure which I would not have considered have been raised......

I congratulate you, this has been fantastic, non teacher teacher and support staff,and the DJ have all had a say, what we could do with now is an official responce from the LEA. lets see what they have to say.

Well done

Originally posted by NJMUK
Dear god! What I said is if H&S was the main reason behind closing in snowy conditions, you would NEED TO close when it is raining heavy or freezing. This is in the context of which H&S has been used as an excuse in this thread (Wet children and cold class rooms) .... Don't you have some marking to do? Or perhaps it's possible to do it whilst posting on here hhhmmmmm theres a thought!

Don't know what type of school you went to NJMUK, but building officers don't mark work very often. They've got far more important things to do.

To clarify the obvious.....

Kids coming to school in rain don't tend to saunter, they hurry up and get inside...and they tend to dress up 'drier'.

Kids coming to school in freezing weather tend to be cold but dry and soon warm up once inside.

Kids coming to school in snow usually tend to take their time, snowball each other, roll in it and dress up as for dry weather (as though snow isn't really wet). This tends to leave them covered in snow and ice which melts all over the floors, down their backs and into their shoes. Result? Soaking wet and freezing cold kids. Do they dry out? No, because to have the radiators on hot enough to do this half the classroom would be like a sauna. At home time the kids then have to put soaking wet and freezing coats on.

wow summed up in 500 words

Originally posted by saxon51
Don't know what type of school you went to NJMUK, but building officers don't mark work very often. They've got far more important things to do.

To clarify the obvious.....

Kids coming to school in rain don't tend to saunter, they hurry up and get inside...and they tend to dress up 'drier'.

Kids coming to school in freezing weather tend to be cold but dry and soon warm up once inside.

Kids coming to school in snow usually tend to take their time, snowball each other, roll in it and dress up as for dry weather (as though snow isn't really wet). This tends to leave them covered in snow and ice which melts all over the floors, down their backs and into their shoes. Result? Soaking wet and freezing cold kids. Do they dry out? No, because to have the radiators on hot enough to do this half the classroom would be like a sauna. At home time the kids then have to put soaking wet and freezing coats on.

Valid points and my next comment is not disputing what you say but maybe it comes back to parents then, making sure their kids dress properly and don't roll around in the snow in the way to school!

Correct MJNUK, spot on, but now there are other points to consider besides parental ignorance.

Obviously some parents couldn't give a chuff. Out of sight, out of mind! Then there are the kids who call the shots and decide how they will dress. Even more worrying are the PRIMARY SCHOOL kids who are left to their own devices before school because either their parent(s) don't even bother to get up with them in a morning (and yes, this does happen!) to see them off or they leave for work and the kids lock the house up.

Whatever the reason, the school ends up with the problem and this is where health and safety comes in.

Add these unfortunate kids to a situation where one or two members of staff are missing, classes become overfull, and the lessons are just pointless because of this and you have a situation where the school might as well stay closed, the staff stay at home and catch up on planning, marking, making out IEPs, assessing etc, and save on a day's heating and lighting costs.

pete1962 then gets on with some maintenance in peace, and the kids get to play in the snow.

That's my slant on it all anyway!:thumbsup:

My Dad's school was open today and he's had parents ringing asking why it is open!

Originally posted by thomsongirl
My Dad's school was open today and he's had parents ringing asking why it is open!

Your dad just can't win, can he!:rolleyes:

My girlfiend is a primary teacher and she was up at 5:30am this morning ready to drive 45 mins from the city centre to a small village South of Chesterfield along many B roads. At 6:30 her headteacher rang asking what the conditions were like here to assess what travelling would be like, he rang back 5 mins later to confirm the school would be shut for the day.

Instead of going back to bed as many would she filled our living room floor with about 3 tonnes of paper and has spent the day planning, setting up displays and laminating, stopping only to warm up an enchilada. She is still going strong now much to my disappointment as I wouldnt mind going in watching TV for a bit.

Suggesting teachers are lazy is just ignorant, she leaves the house at 7 in the morning and returns at 6.30pm, she has tea, does some marking and then goes to bed at 9.

When at work she spends break time and lunch time setting up the classroom for the next lessons, she certainly would not have had enough time to write 21 posts (NJMUK) or 18 posts (Cyclone) on the Sheffield Forum.

Hi adlinds:thumbsup:

Your GF sounds like a stalwart, but how she has the audacity to stop to warm up an enchilada is beyond me. She should be ashamed of herself.:P :P :P

maybe she's in the wrong job then. I don't have to work in holidays, but I do have to go to work when it snows.
Fortunately I have internet access, 2 pc's and time whilst programs build and run to make posts (ps - i made a lot more than 18).

So, now some people are arguing that the schools were closed because parents are too stupid to dress up their children properly.

Which is it, closed for H&S because children come in wet (in which case teachers should be at school), or closed because teachers/children can't make it to school (which looks like a bit of a fib unless you're living on the edge of the peaks).

But Cyclone...I thought you couldn't do what you were supposed to tonight because the sports centre was closed? How dare you think you can "bunk off" like that?

Originally posted by Cyclone


So, now some people are arguing that the schools were closed because parents are too stupid to dress up their children properly.

Which is it, closed for H&S because children come in wet (in which case teachers should be at school), or closed because teachers/children can't make it to school (which looks like a bit of a fib unless you're living on the edge of the peaks).

Not just the way the kids are dressed, but this and ALL the other factors mentioned may add up to keeping the schools closed for H&S reasons. We're all suggesting here, not qualifying.

And please explain the logic in teachers coming in if there are no kids to teach, when they can do the work at home...cutting down on needless traffic, and the heating/lighting can be saved !!

Originally posted by Cyclone
maybe she's in the wrong job then.

Why? Because she works hard to make a difference and makes new resources to enable the childrens learning to be more fun?
Work isnt always about having an easy time, for some people teaching is very rewarding.

your all so defensive.

Someone says 13 weeks holiday and it's "ooh, we work so hard". Response, well so does everyone else. It's not actually a competition though.
Clearly not all the teachers are as busy as your girlfriend, looking at this thread.

The main difference between the sports centre and the schools is that I don't work for it, and it's possible reasons for closure are not that some instructors may not turn up leaving it short staffed.
Teachers all seem to be quite happy to have the day off and condone the action, I would rather be there right now teaching my class, I do not condone it.

I left school 9 years ago, so I must have missed most of this change if it happened in the last 10 years.

The crucial reason why you are not to blame for the sports centre's closure is because you didn't make the decision. You had no say in it whatsoever.

So why do you assume teachers had any say in the decision to close their schools? And how do you know that teachers would not have preferred to go to work?

Yes, the teachers on here are defensive...but that's not suprising when certain members insult them.

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
The crucial reason why you are not to blame for the sports centre's closure is because you didn't make the decision. You had no say in it whatsoever.

So why do you assume teachers had any say in the decision to close their schools? And how do you know that teachers would not have preferred to go to work?

Yes, the teachers on here are defensive...but that's not suprising when certain members insult them.

Maybe if some of them had said "I wish they wouldn't close it" rather than explaining that it can't open in case 1 teacher doesn't turn up, it can't open because it's cold, it can't open because a kid might fall over then I'd believe that they'd rather have not had the day off.

And several of them have mentioned being involved in the decision to close it, and they all are, if only by virtue of possibly being the one that might not turn up.

If it's the heads decision then sure, blame the head. But in that case don't defend the decision or it appears that you agree with it.

Three reasons for school closures as stated on Look North.

1: Can the emergency services be guaranteed access to the premises?

2: Can enough dinner ladies/cooks get in to feed the kids?

3: Are the kids who are collected at night guaranteed to be collected if the snow carries on at the rate it is now?

No!

No!

No!

In that case, for child safety reasons, the school will not open. As easy and as logical as that!!!!

Next question.

Shall we make the staff come in?

Answer.

What is the point other than to pacify those in other jobs who still have to go to work.

Cyclone- So would you say your problem is that the teachers on this thread appear to be pleased that they have the day off? Well, to be honest, that's something I think we should forgive them for considering what they put up with. But if you want to have a problem with people enjoying a day off that's up to you.

But where exactly in this thread has any teacher said that THEY decided that their school would close?

Originally posted by Cyclone

If it's the heads decision then sure, blame the head. But in that case don't defend the decision or it appears that you agree with it.

If it is a real H&S issue as agreed upon by the Education Authorities, then I for one welcome the decision and agree with the headteacher's decision to cover his/her back and the backs of his/her staff, whilst guaranteeing the safety and comfort of the kids.

Plus, the day off is a bonus.:clap:

Another piece of info which you might find of interest while arguing this case is:
Apparently, the school is legally responsible for children from the moment they leave home in the morning.
I am not saying that this is true - I don't actually know and as a teacher rather than a school it does not singularly concern me. I simply read it in a bulletin this week.
So, if we are responsible I would put forward that the likelihood of incident is higher while there is snow. Then add all the other factors previously mentioned and perhaps there are more hazards than we have identified.
It is commendable that teachers may spend the day preparing for classes, I teach part time and spent most of the Xmas break preparing mine and therefore was entirely delighted to have the day at leisure. I worked through the half term break.
Unfortunately, if the weather continues I may have to go into school tomorrow without children in attendance and if I do I am sure I can use the time constructively.
I did not choose to close my place of work but I am happy it was.

Originally posted by Zebra
Another piece of info which you might find of interest while arguing this case is:
Apparently, the school is legally responsible for children from the moment they leave home in the morning.
I am not saying that this is true - I don't actually know and as a teacher rather than a school it does not singularly concern me. I simply read it in a bulletin this week.
So, if we are responsible I would put forward that the likelihood of incident is higher while there is snow. Then add all the other factors previously mentioned and perhaps there are more hazards than we have identified.


If I understand the regulations on this correctly, the school is not responsible for the safety of the kids on their way to and from school (that would be impossible to police). They are however permitted to discipline the kids for any misdemeanour they commit travelling to and from school which may bring the school into disrepute. This includes home dinners.

My school was open today. Most of the teachers made it in, the problem is less than half of the pupils showed up.

The pupils don't want to work, they want to be playing in the snow. With less than half of them in the lesson they end up doing worksheets and filler activities while all the time they're saying 'Why can't we go home?'. Pupils end up leaving of their own accord throughout the day in addition to the ones who didn't turn up because playing in the snow was more fun and parents keep turning up to take their kids home.

By the end of the day, classes are having to be merged as some of the groups have only a couple of pupils in them.

Don't blame the teachers for schools being shut.

amberle

I agree with everything you said, My school did not make the decision to close until 8:20am, the teachers had made it in. At 8:30 am hardly any kids had made it in, the ones that had went to the LRC to be looked after.

If the majority of kids were dressed in the correct clothes for snowy weather it would help, this week I've have had kids come in with just jumpers. Teacher are not bothered if the school closes or not we are still expected to try to get into work and if not we are expected to work from home.

If you go to http://www.teach.gov.uk you can find out how to train to be a teacher and then you'll get all the benefits which have been explained here....

Originally posted by Abdul
Hey! Some of us like work!

I'd rather be here in my nice warm office, with endless toast and cups of hot tea, than be playing outside freezing my gonads off :D

Grow up Mat, and don't get into any snowball fights with kids - unless you want the local vigilante mob to pay you a visit :suspect:

wtf are you talking about?? Im sorry but you dont make any sense :confused: :loopy:

Personally I'm glad that the schools were closed today!

It gave me an opportunity to take my children out in the snow(which is a rare and pleasurable weather condition) to go sledging and have fun.

Why should the teachers feel bad about having today off? We should all have days off from time to time like today, it does us good and lifts our spirits. It's a change from the norm.

Originally posted by bonny
Personally I'm glad that the schools were closed today!

It gave me an opportunity to take my children out in the snow(which is a rare and pleasurable weather condition) to go sledging and have fun.

Why should the teachers feel bad about having today off? We should all have days off from time to time like today, it does us good and lifts our spirits. It's a change from the norm.


Excatly Bonnie, my school was closed and luckily so was my sons, which meant we had the day together. Snowball Fights and built a snowman, lets be honest how often do we get enough snow to have fun in it? It might not happen for another 5 years - I enjoyed it anyway!:clap:

Originally posted by mat1978
Excatly Bonnie, my school was closed and luckily so was my sons, which meant we had the day together. Snowball Fights and built a snowman, lets be honest how often do we get enough snow to have fun in it? It might not happen for another 5 years - I enjoyed it anyway!:clap:

Nice to know some people (myself very much included!) actually enjoy spending time with their children in a situation that is unexpected and different from the accepted long haul of summer!

come back snow!!!!!!!!

I've read all 12 pages, and I have to say there's a few people on here who talking nothing but crap and obviously have no other motive than a complete and utter lack of respect for teachers.

There seems to me no comprehending the valid points explained to them over and over behind the school closures, no matter how many times they're repeated, it all comes down to their belief that teachers are lazy. And you're just not going to listen are you?

The schools were closed for a day, they'll probably be mostly open again tomorrow. Does it directly affect you? no? Then go spout off somewhere else, or stop hiding your 'teachers are lazy' opinions under a different premise and just be honest about your bias and lack of knowledge or common sense. If it does directly affect you, then talk to the school about your issues, maybe they can explain to the exactly why and how, since you don't seem to want to listen to anybody here (any teachers who get irate parents asking about school closures, I apologise in advance!)

Our kids went to school as normal, although some of the kids on our street who go to the same school (which is only a short walk down the street) didn't bother going and were out playing in the snow instead... in spite of the notice on the school door saying the school will only be closed if absolutely necessary, and that parents should assume it will be open unless they hear otherwise.

It does seem a bit strange that more than half of Sheffield's schools have been closed. I think Radio Sheffield's Toby Foster should be put in charge of the Sheffield LEA. :clap:

Originally posted by Hook
I've read all 12 pages, and I have to say there's a few people on here who talking nothing but crap and obviously have no other motive than a complete and utter lack of respect for teachers.

There seems to me no comprehending the valid points explained to them over and over behind the school closures, no matter how many times they're repeated, it all comes down to their belief that teachers are lazy. And you're just not going to listen are you?

The schools were closed for a day, they'll probably be mostly open again tomorrow. Does it directly affect you? no? Then go spout off somewhere else, or stop hiding your 'teachers are lazy' opinions under a different premise and just be honest about your bias and lack of knowledge or common sense. If it does directly affect you, then talk to the school about your issues, maybe they can explain to the exactly why and how, since you don't seem to want to listen to anybody here (any teachers who get irate parents asking about school closures, I apologise in advance!)


Here b****y here:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

you mean if someone contests a point, or disagree's with it then you think they don't understand.

Bonny - i'd love a day off, why don't you give my company a call and see if they'll close for the day? I suspect that they'd rather I used 1 of my 26 days holiday (that's 5 weeks, not 13).

Originally posted by Hook
I've read all 12 pages, and I have to say there's a few people on here who talking nothing but crap and obviously have no other motive than a complete and utter lack of respect for teachers.

There seems to me no comprehending the valid points explained to them over and over behind the school closures, no matter how many times they're repeated, it all comes down to their belief that teachers are lazy. And you're just not going to listen are you?

The schools were closed for a day, they'll probably be mostly open again tomorrow. Does it directly affect you? no? Then go spout off somewhere else, or stop hiding your 'teachers are lazy' opinions under a different premise and just be honest about your bias and lack of knowledge or common sense. If it does directly affect you, then talk to the school about your issues, maybe they can explain to the exactly why and how, since you don't seem to want to listen to anybody here (any teachers who get irate parents asking about school closures, I apologise in advance!)

I was born in Sheffield but now live in Melbourne Aust .I remember when I was about 10 yrs old digging my way to school and when I got there there were two teachers and two other kids there we did not go home.In some parts of Australia its the opposite if it gets too hot most of the schools close for o.h.s reasons.

Originally posted by Cyclone
i'd love a day off, why don't you give my company a call and see if they'll close for the day? I suspect that they'd rather I used 1 of my 26 days holiday (that's 5 weeks, not 13).
What I really can't understand is why you aren't a full time teacher? You sound like you would be extremely dedicated to your pupils and the job. You like the sound of the life and the holidays. Instead of spouting off about the wonderful life teachers have why not go and join them?

Just wanted to say the school I work at was reopened today and a grand total of seven children came into the nursery (we usually have 28 )!!

I praise the school for reopening today as it is nowhere near as bad as it was yesterday, but it does make you wonder why all the staff bothered when hardly any children turn up.

Saying that we did have a great time and built a snowman called Patrick!

Originally posted by drp215
What I really can't understand is why you aren't a full time teacher? You sound like you would be extremely dedicated to your pupils and the job. You like the sound of the life and the holidays. Instead of spouting off about the wonderful life teachers have why not go and join them?

I don't like kids, i've started a career and don't want to take a year out to do a pgce and i'd have to take a large pay drop.
The difference in what I teach at the moment, is that it's to young adults (uni students), they are there by choice and it's physical not mental (mainly anyway).

If I could start teaching without doing the pgce, only teach students who want to be there and at least at A-level or above and got paid what I get paid now then i'd change tomorrow.

LS - makes you wonder. There's no reason at all to keep kids off school today, there's hardly any snow around and certainly no transport problems.

Originally posted by Cyclone
I don't like kids, i've started a career and don't want to take a year out to do a pgce and i'd have to take a large pay drop.


You could join the Gradute Teacher Programme, and earn your PGCE as you're teaching in a school. I think that pays £13k.

Originally posted by Cyclone
I don't like kids,

Are you the child catcher from chitty chitty bang bang?:D

Originally posted by alchresearch
You could join the Gradute Teacher Programme, and earn your PGCE as you're teaching in a school. I think that pays £13k.

I couldn't even pay for my beer on £13k/annum.

Originally posted by Cyclone

Bonny - i'd love a day off, why don't you give my company a call and see if they'll close for the day? I suspect that they'd rather I used 1 of my 26 days holiday (that's 5 weeks, not 13).

I'm not a teacher by the way. I Think some may have thought I was due to me saying teachers shouldn't feel guilty about the day off.

Originally posted by Cyclone
your all so defensive.

Um... Hate to be picky, but as this is a thread about teachers...

Wrong use of "your"... This use would suggest possession or ownership, eg "your cheese", "your opinion".

I believe it is "you're" that you need here, the shortened use of "you are"...

I've read alot of this thread, and frankly it just looks like sour grapes to me.

PS I've just been given a city award from Sheffield LEA for my services as a teacher! :clap:

Originally posted by Miss
I've just been given an city award from Sheffield LEA for my services as a teacher! :clap:

You've been given an award for doing your job?

BTW lest you think I'm jealous CONGRATULATIONS :D

Originally posted by Mo
You've been given an award for doing your job?

BTW lest you think I'm jealous CONGRATULATIONS :D

Yes, that's right. I have.

It happens, you know. I believe the Oscars, Grammies, Brit awards and the like, are also given to people doing their job...

Originally posted by Miss

PS I've just been given an city award from Sheffield LEA for my services as a teacher! :clap:

Well done Miss :clap:

Now please pay more attention to your grammar and the use of the words 'a' and 'an'. :mad:

Good work though so 9/10 :thumbsup:

Originally posted by saxon51
Well done Miss :clap:

Now please pay more attention to your grammar and the use of the words 'a' and 'an'. :mad:

Good work though so 9/10 :thumbsup:

Thanks... Nice to see that somone can be pleased about it...

Ooops, about my grammar... I added the city bit afterwards!

Originally posted by Miss
Thanks... Nice to see that somone can be pleased about it...

Ooops, about my grammar... I added the city bit afterwards!

Okay, 10/10 then, and Register Monitor for the week.

:P :thumbsup:

after all that comment from Cylcone .... are we really getting to the heart of the matter ....

Originally posted by Cyclone
I couldn't even pay for my beer on £13k/annum.

How much beer would a graduate teacher have to drink to need £13k pa to pay for it ..... and how long would it take to drink it - in pints or halves depending on the sex of the drinker .... and would they be too boozed up to teach anyway after it ;)

I'll be marking the answers next week ....

btw Miss - warm congratulations on winning an Oscar ..:D

Originally posted by Miss
PS I've just been given a city award from Sheffield LEA for my services as a teacher! :clap:
Congratulations. What special thing did you do for the award?

I'm working in Boston USA for a while and when there was 30 inches of snow in one storm a couple of weeks back they had to close the schools for a couple of days. Let's not get started on comparative abilities to deal with these things because they know to expect it and are geared-up for moderate snow over here. The interesting thing is that when they closed the schools they also said which Saturdays schools would be open to make-up the time lost.

Originally posted by Miss
Um... Hate to be picky, but as this is a thread about teachers...

Wrong use of "your"... This use would suggest possession or ownership, eg "your cheese", "your opinion".

I believe it is "you're" that you need here, the shortened use of "you are"...

I've read alot of this thread, and frankly it just looks like sour grapes to me.

PS I've just been given a city award from Sheffield LEA for my services as a teacher! :clap:

touche, and pot, kettle.

lol, i don't think i really spend that much on beer, not according to my budget anyway, but seriously, even the full pay of a teacher would be a serious drop and the pay for doing the training year is just not something i'll even seriously entertain.

My son being a Y11 was told to go to school at Yewlands yesterday and learned why school was shut on Thursday and for most on Friday.

When the snow started to appear on Wednesday there were 38 children that had to be treated medically before dinner because of accidents slipping in the snow etc.

Most schools are on one site but Yewlands has two big schools as well as the learning site and so pupils have to walk outside across a public pathway to get from one lesson to the other.For Health and Safety reason they decided to shut it.I was quite pleased as my son had been casualty on the Wednesday but at least all that was wrong with him was very wet clothes.

I think in these circumstances school should close.

Regardless of whether it's right or wrong to close schools the weather hasn't even been particularly bad this last week. I've managed to get 15 miles to a job and back every day without a problem plus numerous journeys between Sheffield and Chesterfield collecting materials.

Originally posted by saxon51
Hundreds of kids converging on one place, bad roads, and (hundreds of) cars sliding all over the place. Health and safety maybe?

Who knows,eh?:clap:

surely its the perfect excuse to see what the 4*4 can do?:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Cyclone
touche, and pot, kettle.

lol, i don't think i really spend that much on beer, not according to my budget anyway, but seriously, even the full pay of a teacher would be a serious drop and the pay for doing the training year is just not something i'll even seriously entertain.

I'm glad you took my posting (I think!) as it was intended... Tongue in cheek.

I enjoy the postings of Cyclone... I find them very well thought out and interesting. So I was hoping I had not offended you!