Ombudsman probes whether early school start times harm children’s well-being
The Ombudsman is set to review school start times after a survey revealed that nearly half of parents believe their child's learning and well-being are impacted by early morning wake-up calls. While most parents are satisfied with their child's lesson start times, a significant minority are not, particularly those in regions like Rīga, Aizkraukle, Salaspils, and Saldus where schools start earlier than average.
The survey, involving 3,684 parents, found that 49% and 60% respectively think their child's learning and well-being are affected by their morning wake-up time. The Ombudsman will now contact education authorities to review these early start times and ask ministries to set the earliest permissible start time.
Currently, 48% of lessons start between 8 and 8:29 am, and 46% between 8:30 and 8:59 am. Meanwhile, 35% of parents say their child gets up for school between 7 am and 7:29 am, and 34% between 6:30 and 6:59 am. However, in certain regions, schools start even earlier due to local policies and logistical considerations. In Rīga, Aizkraukle, Salaspils, and Saldus, 25% of parents report starting school between 7 am and 7:29 am.
Some parents also reported disproportionately early wake-up times, between 4:30 and 5 am, which the Ombudsman will investigate further.
The Ombudsman's review comes as 22% of parents express dissatisfaction with their child's lesson start times, especially the '0 period' (early morning lessons). The aim is to ensure that school start times balance educational needs with the well-being of students, particularly in regions with earlier start times.
