Parents advocate for flexible working hours as schools adjust start time

AMMAN — Following the Education Ministry’s announcement of revised school hours, parents are continuing to advocate for the implementation of flexible working hours to enhance convenience and alleviate traffic congestion.

The Ministry of Education declared that as of Sunday, October 29 and continuing until April 14, the school day will start at 8:30am. 

This decision, designed to maximise the use of daylight and prioritise the well-being of students, has garnered positive feedback from parents. 

Numerous parents believe that the decision places students’ interests at the forefront. With the days growing shorter and the sun rising later in the upcoming months, starting school at 8:30am ensures that students have sufficient daylight for a safe journey to school and increased alertness during their classes, especially for students who walk to school.

Bara’ Nazzal, a father of two children, expressed his strong support for the decision. 

“It’s essential to prioritise the safety and well-being of our children. This decision is a step in the right direction and will help them begin their school day in a better state of mind,” Nazzal told The Jordan Times.

While many commend the initiative, working parents have expressed concerns about the potential challenges it may pose to them.

Many parents raised concerns about transporting their children to school. Many parents will encounter challenges coordinating their children’s school schedule with their own work commutes, potentially leading to traffic congestion during the early morning hours.

Ahmad Al Masri, a working father of two, voiced concerns about potential traffic congestions and work delays.

“Parents appreciate the intention behind this decision, but it’s going to be quite challenging for parents like me who need to drop off their kids and head to work. Traffic jams during school hours might become a significant problem,” Masri told The Jordan Times.

In response to these concerns, some parents have called on institutions, government offices and private businesses to consider implementing flexible working hours for employees, particularly parents.

“This change could potentially alleviate traffic congestion during peak school drop-off times and provide parents with more flexibility in managing their schedules,” said Rawa’ Radwan, a working mother, adding that the adoption of flexible working hours would facilitate parents’ adaptation to the new school schedule.