School tests for four-year-olds.

[Workingman]

Kate, that is appalling. If your friend's daughter is concerned, and the school is not taking her concerns seriously, she should go to her union for advice.

[KateLMead]

Kate, that is appalling. If your friend's daughter is concerned, and the school is not taking her concerns seriously, she should go to her union for advice.

This is exactly what I said to her mother Frank, this problem plays on her and her lovely daughters mind continually, I was visualising a little one boiling water for a drink, we await a possible accident. We read of terrible things happening to little ones because the teachers have not taken any action when observing things were not right with the child, like the little boy scavenging for food in the school dustbin. Now dead.

[Aggers]

When I was a child my mother was with me practically all day, every day of the week,
until I started at Infants School. This was then the norm - in fact some employers in
our town would terminate a young woman's employment when they married. This is
the reason we started school able to do essential things, that apparently are lacking
in many infants today.

And when we were taken out in a push-chair, we were facing our mothers, not facing
forwards charging into a strange world full of strangers. The bonding process, of course.

But of course, times have changed, and those days are gone - for ever? - I wonder.

We are told we must move with the times.
If so, then we will have to put up with the disadvantages, no doubt.

[Workingman]

....when we were taken out in a push-chair, we were facing our mothers, not facing
forwards charging into a strange world full of strangers. The bonding process, of course.

A very good point Aggers.

It was announced today that Ministers want schools to take two-yr-olds! This, they say, will allow more mothers to go out to work. Remind me, when was it that one of the most important jobs in life, bringing up our children, was relegated to being an afterthought?

[KateLMead]

....when we were taken out in a push-chair, we were facing our mothers, not facing
forwards charging into a strange world full of strangers. The bonding process, of course.

A very good point Aggers.

It was announced today that Ministers want schools to take two-yr-olds! This, they say, will allow more mothers to go out to work. Remind me, when was it that one of the most important jobs in life, bringing up our children, was relegated to being an afterthought?

I am wondering what these ministers are high on!!! two year old's in school ? I can just imagine the teachers day, changing napkins, consoling distressed little ones,feeding those who cannot feed themselves. Where the hell do they pick these idiots up who recommend schools for little ones.. From day one, my youngest daughter who holds down a full time job is a disciplinarian, loving but strict with a routine that is followed rigidly.
After school, change clothes, clean shoes, Homework, dinner, shower time with mum and dad cuddles and games..bed at 7.30.
Saturdays, Rugby for my grandson, swimming for them both, brownies for Millie. Dad is there when not working to help with homework if required.
Result excellent school reports, well balanced children. I sometimes think my daughter is over strict, but they are loved and it shows.

[Kaz]

I think they mean more free nursery places, for two year olds, in the nurseries that are attached to most infant schools these days. Many children already go to these at age three, for half days, and then go up to reception class at 4......

I don't think anyone will be putting two year olds into a formal classroom setting with teachers.....the nurseries are staffed with nursery workers.....

I also find it regrettable that mothers need to work whilst their children are so tiny - I stayed home with mine, but was lucky I could afford to. The reality these days is that women aren't working for 'extras' they are working to help pay the bills.

[KateLMead]

I might have got it wrong Kaz, I thought the theme was to lower school age to two year old 's.

[victor]

all these parents that will then be able to work will do what??where??

[cromwell]

Imo there are some parents who will only be too eager to park their children at school as early as they can; including quite a few who don't work.