SIlly… they just need to say that responses will only occur during set hours

I think the winning answer is the best solution too.

I have sent many emails late at night, after decoding the kids day at school and working out what needs to be done. I don’t expect a quick reply. If it is urgent call the school when it is open next, arrange an appointment. I am not sure the school understand that parents work too, between the hours of 8-6 if not more…….

I often emailed teachers outside of school hours – but with no expectation for a quick reply. I even often prefaced it or explained that I would await a reply when it was convenient for them. How else are you able to access teachers in this day and age? If I rang the school, I was often sent to voicemail to leave a message. I’ve had teachers say they don’t check their voicemail, or will take many days to reply. Our school actually encouraged email communication, with the understanding that they would reply when they could. Happy with that!

I agree that you send the email at a time that suits you and they reply when it suits them. Otherwise have a separate email for school business and one for personal.

The winning answer sums up my feelings exactly.

Loved the winning answer listed and would completely agree with adding this to all my emails in future.

As a mum who works in a school, I actually don’t think it’s unreasonable to be asked not to contact staff out of hours.
We have the parents who are great and don’t expect a response immediately when they send an email after school hours, of course.
However we also have the parents who not only email and expect instantaneous replies, but who also contact staff via text messages, phone calls, finding the desired staff member on social media and contacting through there, finding the staff member at out of school activities that they are attending for their own children, and the list goes on. Yes we live in a town of 30,000 people, so you’re bound to see students and families somewhere outside of the school.
But school staff and teachers DO NOT need to be harassed (or screamed at by random parents) because the parent thinks the staff should be available at all hours. But I know this all happens in big cities too.
Sorry but school teachers and staff need their own time too!

Advising you that teachers will only reds pond to your emails during the set hours is fine. To restrict the time you can send an email is ridiculous. Keep sending emails as you need to. If the teacher cannot manage their work that’s their issue not yours.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable, but sending an email at night is fine. People can check tomorrow but don’t hound the people educating your kids… it’s a tough enough job as it is without helicopter parents making things worse

Out of office replies exist for a reason. It’s not up to us to manage their time. They should just read / respond on emails when they’re ready and have the time

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 07 Nov 2020 , 5:09 am

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  But to fume over such a request of school is a bit over the top for me.

I agree it’s a bit silly but everyone gets so upset and offended by things these days. I’d be letting it go

I get where they are coking from but I’m sure they have work email addresses which they can just check during those times. Thats the whole point of emails. But I also understand the stress of feeling the need to reply

Definitely see where they’re coming from. But just reply during school hours. Sheesh!

Im a high school teacher and when I recieve emails from parents etc I simply dont reply until Im at school. Its not that hard, you just need to switch off – which is unfortunately very difficult to do as a teacher!

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 07 Nov 2020 , 5:02 am

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  That’s not only hard for teachers