Amount of play time in school day

[alice32]

I'd be really interested to hear how other primary schools in the area structure play time.

My son, in year 3, has been complaining that the play time they get is too short. They have 10 minutes in the morning after assembly, at around 10.30, and then 35 mins at lunchtime (15 of which is spent actually eating lunch) - so really only a total of 25 mins free play in the day. I believe there is also the opportunity to have a longer or shorter play time depending on performance in spelling and maths tests. It all seems rather measly to me - but perhaps it's normal?

Would be grateful for an insight to how other primary schools structure play time.

Thanks so much.

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

Wow! I assumed that they get two short playtime and an hour at lunch ( including having their lunch ).

That sounds pretty awful if they only get the amount you stated.

[cactus]

I think 15-20 mins for morning playtime and 1 hour for lunch is pretty standard across

most primary schools. Plus Reception & Infants usually have a short afternoon playtime as well.

[Monkey]

Seems measly. I don't know how much mine gets - she has not got the concept of time - But i would have hoped 20mns minimum morning and afternoon and an hour at lunch (excluding lunch). Something tells me I am in for another culture shock!

[hpsaucey]

alice32 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I'd be really interested to hear how other primary

> schools in the area structure play time.

> My son, in year 3, has been complaining that the

> play time they get is too short. They have 10

> minutes in the morning after assembly, at around

> 10.30, and then 35 mins at lunchtime (15 of which

> is spent actually eating lunch) - so really only a

> total of 25 mins free play in the day. I believe

> there is also the opportunity to have a longer or

> shorter play time depending on performance in

> spelling and maths tests. It all seems rather

> measly to me - but perhaps it's normal?

>

> Would be grateful for an insight to how other

> primary schools structure play time.

>

> Thanks so much.

Wow - does sound pretty measly. Which school is it?

HP

[alice32]

Thanks very much for all the info - really interesting. It does sound like the school is out of step with other school's set-ups. I think I'll get in touch with the Head and investigate further. The school didn't get a particularly favourable OFSTED report recently, so I think they're squeezing the day to try and make progress as quickly as possible - which isn't very fair on the children.

Many thanks again.

Alice