Would you let your child go on this school trip?

Not specifically addressed to you, but as you used the word... Surely if these kids are into performing arts then they will have been to a bunch of musicals before. My kid isn't particularly but he's still been to loads at different theatres (science shows went down best, but all appreciated). Presumably it's Lion King or Matilda, I'm just really puzzled why staying up half the night will make this one "exciting" rather than going to the matinee instead?

No. They're not teens either. But funnily enough I see enough of them over emotional on late night school trips. They are seven. I've supervised trips of year 3s before. Personally I cannot understand why a school has picked an evening performance for that age group. I would absolutely take MY child on such a trip, but I wouldn't let them go with a group where I know more than one child will make it tough for all of them. If you think all of them will just meekly doze off on a coach at 10pm you're being unrealistic. Groups do not behave in the same way as individuals

I have taken primary children to London several
times. It’s always an incredibly long day and tiring but the children love it and talk about it years later.

Have you never encountered the group.of.children who suddenly decide to be ridiculous when bored on.long coach journeys? There is always an overdramatic child, or friends who will compete with how much drama they can instigate.

Children, NT ones included can be come very 'dysregulated', to use the Lingo. And yes, 7 year olds can be afraid of the dark. How amusing you think they must have grown out of such a thing when only just old enough to start school in countries with perfectly sound education systems. They are children. That's the point

Yes I'd let them.go. They will remember that night for ages and I'm silure it'll be exciting.

I am 56 - I still remember not being allowed to go and see Joseph when I was in middle school - assuming child would like to go then YES YES YES

I think it’s ok if you’re able to support the lie in (work allowing?). It’s quite young for this trip so I’d be a bit nervous but it would be exciting for them. Does your DC want to go?

It's an individual choice at this age based on the child. We've tried some late nights for one or another exciting thing, though not past 10pm. The result is DS exhausted and sad in the evening, fails to sleep in, and becomes a stroppy sobbing mess the next day. How "fun" for him. Some kids would be fine though, and then it's lovely for them to go.

It's only theatre, so we would just book a separate matinee if he wanted to see the show. Maybe with a few other kids who also aren't night owls.

Honestly? I would let them go. School has to be for more than just what goes on in a classroom.

This sort of thing is fairly common in private / independent schools (no idea whether your school is).

Don't be ridiculous 😂

What the hell dude 😂

Do they seriously never have a late night - Christmas , NY , on holiday . It’s ridiculous one late night won’t kill anyone and they’ll have a nap on the coach if they are that tired . Just let them go and be grateful the school is bothering to give them the opportunity.

My daughter just went on a 1 school day trip to London from Cornwall, left at 6am, got home at 5am the next morning. They performed in a concert at the O2. She had the most amazing time..yes she was tired and grumpy the next day but it was a fantastic experience for her.

I’d say 10yo fine but 7yo? I think that’s too young for that late night without a whole day off after. I love the theatre and took dc from age 6 to the west end and broadway. Broadway was an evening performance but with jet lag sleep was fucked anyway and we were back at the hotel by 10.30pm.

The concept of the trip sounds great - both of mine love the theatre. However, I think it’s totally bonkers that they haven’t picked a matinee for that age group. The evening crowd can be quite different and the vibe around soho at theatre kick out time isn’t always small child appropriate but depends what show and what theatre.

Let them go. No brainer. Although if they're going to London, I'd dress them in stab proof vests!

Absolutely, and some chocolates for the teachers giving them this opportunity and running it in their own time.

Yes let them go - mine did a singing / music trip to the Albert Hall at that age and returned just around midnight. It was worth it though and they were also allowed in later the next day. The worst bit will be for you having to wait up to collect them but these trips are a rare opportunity.

Sounds amazing. Can’t imagine saying no.

I assume they can’t go to a matinee because it’s not actually a school trip, just for those involved in the performing arts. They will love it.

It will be a lovely trip for the children. Fun on the coach down, exciting to go to London, super musical then chat on the way home until zzzzzzz they're all asleep. Definitely let her go, and thank the teachers for giving up their time for such a wonderful opportunity.

Ah. Got you. I understood it to be a regular school and only dc who enjoy/partake in performing arts have been invited on the trip. Perhaps @Bubblegirly could confirm?

Yeah, agree that if DC is not compatible with late nights a career on the stage likely not for them.

Yes I would but I think it’s silly of the school to have arranged it, that is a very late night for a 7 year old

I'd encourage it. It's a fantastic opportunity.

Only the parents will know what the child is like with a later evening, and in the run up to bedtime.

If they’re the kind who would be asked on their feet in a loud disco at bedtime, then it’s a waste them going. If they tend to be buoyed along by what’s going on and will enjoy it, then one late night is harmless. Later alarm the following morning and an early night and all is sorted.