Consultation with parents over longer day at Bexhill High

Principal Mike Conn organised the consultation on Thursday night so that anyone opposing extending the school day from 8.30-5pm could have the chance to say so.

One mother, Tania Turner of St Davids Avenue, contacted the Observer to say: "My husband and I are very much against it. We feel very strongly that it should not go ahead. But if it does, it should be entirely voluntary."

A number of concerned parents called this week in advance of the meeting.

One said: "People either love or hate the idea...it seems to me it's a long day to be in school. But I am going to reserve my judgement until I have been to the meeting and heard what Mr Conn has got to say."

Another commented: "I have two daughters at the school - this is going to make life so wierd. I had my daughters so I could enjoy them, not have to see them work longer hours than my husband.

"Most of the parents are not happy. Mr Conn is having this consultation but to my mind it is a done deal. From this year there has been no parents' evening - Mr Conn didn't ask us. I rang and complained but of course it was just brushed aside. Normally you would get to meet the teacher who is spending more time with your child than you are, but now we have no progress check.

"I am not happy these extra hours are going ahead."

A mum also called the Observer to ask: "Why are we having this consultation meeting on Thursday? When the new Year 7 pupils went in parents were told - your child will be here until 5pm from 2010. So if it is all done and dusted, why are we being asked to give our views?

"I was told last year this would be in placed by the time the new school opens. Now they are paying lip service to the fact that they are supposed to be having consultation. But in my opinion it is all done and dusted.

"Almost every parent you speak to says this is ridiculous...apart from the impact on traffic and the fact of no buses at that time, children have the right to some time out of school...I would say any parent I speak to asks - why is this necessary?

"From a parent's point of view, we have got to start making our opinions known. The fact is, lots of people don't want it. But I know if people don't say so, it will be assumed they agree with it."

She had contacted East Sussex County Council on the matter and been told that following the consultation, the Bexhill High board of governors will vote on their final decision, and then follows three months notice if the change is made.

Tania Turner commented: "One of the reasons Mr Conn has given us for children to stay in school until 5pm is so they can do homework. I firmly believe homework is a skill you have to learn at home independently. If you don't learn these skills you are going to find it very difficult in later life if you go on to college or even further - even if you decide not to go to college, often work is done at home for many companies, and if you don't know how to organise yourself, you are going to be at a disadvantage."