Some parents book places for children in too many clubs. The children are crying because they are too tired, but staff have to insist they attend.
The amount of lost property has doubled. Caretakers and cleaners cannot clean the school in their preferred order, because different rooms are in use at different times. Teachers cannot stay in their classrooms to work, tidy, prepare lessons or put up displays because others are using them.
In some cases, those employed to lead clubs are unable to control or motivate the children and there are accidents, excessive noise and damage to classrooms and equipment. Teachers then have to spend time the next day discussing appropriate behaviour with these children and picking up the pieces.
I firmly believe that staying at school is not the best way for children to experience extra activities in a club atmosphere.
Debbie Chalmers, Girton, Cambridge
