To

 

The Principal/ Headmistress – DPSG MR

 

Delhi Public School Ghaziabad

 

Meerut Road

 

Date – 2 April 2026

 

Subject - Formal Representation: Excessive School Timings for Primary Students – Health, Policy & Regulatory Concerns

 

Dear Principal Ma’am,

 

We, the undersigned parents of students in the Primary Wing (PYP–1-5),Secondary Wing (6-10) and Senior Secondary Wing (11-12), wish to submit this as a formal representation regarding the current school timings of 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for Primary Students and 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

 

We would like to state, with due respect, that such extended school hours for young children are developmentally inappropriate, medically concerning, and not aligned with national and international educational guidelines.

 

1. Medical & Child Development Concerns

 

Established pediatric and child psychology research clearly indicates:

 

• Children aged 4–10 years require 10–12 hours of sleep daily, and extended school hours often result in chronic sleep deprivation

 

• Effective learning capacity declines after 4–5 hours of structured academic engagement at this age

 

• Long sedentary durations contribute to fatigue, reduced physical activity, and posture-related issues

 

• Over-structured routines with limited downtime are linked to stress, irritability, anxiety, and early burnout

 

We are already observing these adverse effects in our children.

 

2. National Education Policy (NEP 2020)

 

The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes:

 

• Play-based, activity-based, and flexible learning in early and primary years

 

• Reduction of academic burden and rigid instructional hours

 

• Focus on holistic development, well-being, and experiential learning

 

The current prolonged schedule appears inconsistent with these foundational principles.

 

3. CBSE Guidelines & Child-Centric Schooling

 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has, through multiple circulars and frameworks, emphasized:

 

• Reducing academic stress and student load

 

• Ensuring child-friendly and age-appropriate school environments

 

• Promoting a balance between academics, co-curricular activities, rest, and well-being

 

Excessive school hours at the primary level contradict the intent of these guidelines.

 

4. International Standards – IB Framework

 

Globally, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) promotes:

 

• Inquiry-based, student-centered learning rather than prolonged instructional hours

 

• Importance of well-being, agency, and balanced daily routines

 

• Recognition that young learners require significant time for play, rest, and reflection for effective development

 

The current schedule does not align with these widely accepted global best practices.

 

5.Our Position In light of the above, we respectfully but firmly state:

 

A school day exceeding 7 hours for primary students is excessive, counterproductive, and inconsistent with both national policy (NEP, CBSE) and international educational frameworks (IB).

 

6. Our Request

 

We strongly urge the school administration to:

 

• Immediately review and rationalize school timings for primary classes

 

• Align the schedule with NEP 2020, CBSE recommendations, and global best practices

 

• Ensure a balanced routine supporting academic learning, rest, play, and emotional well-being

 

This matter concerns not only academic structuring but also children’s fundamental right to healthy development and well-being.

 

We request a written response and appropriate action at the earliest.

 

Warm regards,

 

Concerned Parents

 

(Names & Signatures Attached)