As a parent, I am reaching out to all UK parents, about the experience that has become part of my daily life - the harassment I endure, along with my children, from their school’s.  With 3 children I receive multiple letters, notifications, and calls weekly. If we are 1 minute late this triggers a barrage of emails, detentions, isolation/reflection, offer of “support” which isn’t support at all!  Secondary Schools feel like military prison, creating an unnecessarily harsh setting for our children to grow in.  Many children will turn around and go home rather than be punished for being 1 minute “late”.  It’s counter productive.  It blows my mind that there are 2 members of staff on the gate, who seem to take great delight in confirming names and reasonings for lateness, and issuing detentions or reflection.  When teachers decide a child has broken a rule, or not complied in any way,  they are put in reflection / isolation for the most minor offences.  How does pulling them out of class and putting them in a room alone, benefit their education?  The government has unrealistic expectations of schools, and the schools are passing these crazy expectations down to parents.  

The general population in the UK is stressed at the moment.  We have survived a Global Pandemic, are living in a Cost of living crisis, mental health is at an all time low, the threat of war, social media’s influence and a million other factors have ensured that most people are dealing with a struggle of some sort!  Many suffer with anxiety, are neurodiverse, may not have eaten, are being bullied etc.  Schools need to accept there is no one size fits all policy, and go back to using common sense rather than league tables to measure success.  I don’t want to receive repetitive “gentle reminders” about the importance of attendance, being on time etc.  In fact due to the sheer volume of communications, inevitably parents end up missing important notifications regarding trips, or other things that may actually be of interest.  Most workplaces in the UK offer flexible working.  You would not be expected to sit in isolation for being 1 minute late, or talking when your manager is speaking.  

Many parents will agree that the current approach of Schools, doesn’t support children’s intellectual and emotional growth. It is high time that we step up and make a change.  It’s essential that we cultivate a learning environment that helps our children grow, instead of making them feel like they are in prison, not able to be individuals, and must all blindly conform to the ridiculous expectations set.  Children will be ill, late on occasion, may forget rules, and ask questions when they don’t understand something etc.  Please can someone inject some common sense back into the Education system and stop harassing already frazzled parents and angst filled children!  The unnecessary pressures exerted by educational institutions on the parents and the children should be addressed immediately.  Stop harassing parents and children who are doing the very best they can.  

Education is a right, not a privilege. Schools should be cooperative units where parents, teachers, and children work together to build a better future. Let’s make our voices heard by taking this stand, and together, we can foster a harmonious educational environment. Please, sign this petition and support our cause to end harassment by schools against both parents and children.