Press Statement
Like hundreds of schools across the country, the initiative at The Limes Primary Academy has been designed to help children in years 5 and 6 develop age-appropriate responsibility, independence and teamwork. This includes taking greater ownership of the shared spaces they use every day.
“The activities are intended to be simple, appropriate and supervised, while helping children develop useful life skills and contribute positively to their school community. Appropriate health and safety considerations have been taken into account, with adjustments made where necessary.
“We recognise that some parents have questions about the initiative and the school will continue to listen to and engage with families."
For further information, including positive Parent Voice, please contact [email protected]
FAQs
Q: Are pupils being made to clean up after other year groups?
No. Pupils do not clean up after other year groups. Cleaning between sittings remains the responsibility of staff. Children are simply encouraged to work together to leave the dining area they have used tidy.
Q: Are children spending their lunchtime cleaning instead of playing?
No. There has been no reduction in pupils’ playtime. The new teamwork-based routine is quick and efficient, and children continue to receive their full break.
Q: Are teachers taking their break while pupils do the cleaning?
No. Pupils are not carrying out staff cleaning duties, and the new arrangements do not replace the work of staff.
Q: Is the school using children as free labour?
Absolutely not. This is a simple, age-appropriate routine designed to teach teamwork, shared responsibility and respect for communal spaces. It is about encouraging children to think beyond themselves and understand the part we can all play in making a community work well. There has been no reduction in lunchtime staffing, pupils are not carrying out the role of midday supervisors, and lunchtime continues to be supervised by school staff.
Q: why is the school not responding to parents?
We have responded to every parent that has been in touch with us - many of whom have been very supportive of the initiative.