A couple of issues with maternelle in France

[idontlikecrusts]

Hi

My two boys have just started a new maternelle class in a different area of France. They have only been there a week but I have a couple of issues already.

No problems in previous French pre-school so it is not only the cultural differences I refer to.

The problems are that Felix (5) came out of school saying he had been smacked on the hand for taking some extra craft material for his picture. I asked him to demonstrate on me and he came across as genuine. The following morning I observed his teacher dragging a little boy by the wrist across the class for some misdemeanour or other.

Today he has pooed his pants. His explanation was that he was not allowed to go to the toilet because it was not toilet time.

I'm not happy - would you be?

[whatwouldjesusdo]

No. I would be having a word with them.
Do other parents accept this? What's the policy on smacking in your education area? Can you phone the local school office and find out?

My children were 3 years in maternelle in France, and we never had anything like what you describe.

[idontlikecrusts]

Thanks. You have confirmed what I thought and OH (in one of his more rational moments) did discuss this with me and say that France is usually at the front of any anti child abuse campaign in Europe. Don't know if he is right since joe publique evidence doesn't appear to back this up much.

I know some French schools attempt to get children to stick to specific toilet times but surely not to the point where they mess themselves?!

It was last day today and I had decided to speak to school before the end of the week but other events overtook rather.

Also had directrice complain that I put Max in a nappy on the day his dad got taken to hospital. Also that day he apparently asked to be spoon fed his lunch (he's 3 and hasn't done this since he was about 1). I had just got back from hospital to pick children up and I got a barrage of "c'nest pas normalment" about the nappy and the spoon feeding.

My French isn't good enough to be pissed off back in an assertive and smart way so I just reminded her that I am a behvaiour consultant in the Uk and was aware that Max and Felix may be needy on a day such as today.

[whatwouldjesusdo]

I wasnt aware of my children having to stick to set toilet times in the maternelle. ds2 was 2.9 when he started, fgs!

In the CP, of course, they did, but they were 6 years old by then.

We are "that weird foreign family" in our school in Germany, and I am always having to explain in inadequate German, that my children's performance, though abnormal by their standards, is only to be expected under the circs (new in Germany, single f/t working mother), so I can sympathise a lot with your situation re the school.