Kids across the country are heading back to the classrooms this week for the start of a new school year – and it’s important they make a good first impression on their teachers.
The Sun ’s Secret School Receptionist says there’s a long list of qualities teachers and school staff always look out for when they meet a new class of children and their parents, including the child’s school uniform, their attitude, and even the spelling of their name.
Here are some of the things the receptionist – who currently works in a school in Yorkshire – says you should avoid if you don’t want your child to instantly become the talk of the staffroom.
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All in the name
Apparently, parents who give their child a unique name are unknowingly causing their teachers to dislike them.
The Secret School Receptionist says unusual spellings of popular names are irritating to teachers because no-one can spell it – including the child themselves.
They even claim school staff are “probably laughing” about your child’s name behind their back.
The Secret School Receptionist also said certain names immediately conjure up negative emotions based on previous experiences – even though the child isn’t to blame.
They explained: “Every staffer will subconsciously stereotype children with certain names based on their previous experience.
“There are some that fill me with dread.”
Don’t be late
It almost goes without saying that kids who turn up late to school can get a bad reputation among teachers, and the Secret School Receptionist says it’s especially worrisome in teenagers.
They said: “Some children repeatedly turn up as late as 10.30am, long after the first bell has rung. For teens who are still doing this in years 10 and 11, this tardiness really worries me.
“Some will be getting a job soon — and how will they fare then? Their boss won’t be impressed when they bowl into the workplace so late every day.”
Look the part
Although we’re all told never to judge a book by its cover, the Secret School Receptionist insists school staff can’t help but get a bad feeling when a child isn’t wearing the correct uniform.
They claim teachers know kids will “cause havoc” when they arrive with their tie the wrong length, and say it get worse when they get older.
They added that make-up and nail varnish are red flags as some kids believe the bans don't apply to them, as well as children who come to school with piercings, saying it "separate the good pupils from the bad".
No phones in class
The Secret School Receptionist says they understand that kids may need a mobile phone in their school bag in case of emergencies – but they should never use it in class.
Teachers will begin to see your child as an annoyance if they constantly have to tell them to put their phone away, especially if they spend time messaging their friends instead of paying attention to the lesson.
Do your homework
Nobody likes doing homework – not even the teachers who have to mark it.
But the receptionist says the compulsory at-home studying has to be done, and children who don’t hand it in are instantly given a bad reputation.
They also claim many teachers will “blame the parents” for failing to “issue guidance” at home and get their children to do their homework.
Don’t be a domineering parent
According to the Secret School Receptionist, teachers and school staff will judge your child based on how you act.
They insist should never be a “domineering” parent, because it sets a bad example for your child.
They said: "There is nothing a school worker dreads more than meeting a domineering parent on a getting-to-know-you day. You just know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“These parents are shouty and throughout the school year will ring up and threaten to 'sort things out'.
“Whatever the problem might be — bullying, bad marks, lunchboxes — they will be on the phone abusing school staff.”
Alongside domineering parents, school staff also hate parents who are completely uninterested in their child’s life at school, and those who think their child could never do anything wrong.
