To think that if a school early morning club says 7:45 start, that 7:50 is not acceptable?

Well I'd definitely apply for the job

And then look into childminding options

I had this exact issue before with a nursery. I explained that I needed to leave exactly on time or I’d miss the only bus that would get me there on time. It improved but not reliably so. I’d suggest if you know any of the other parents that also are waiting with their children maybe explain the situation to them and ask if they’d be ok on days that it opens late to let your child wait with them.

Indeed but I wonder whether she is relying on public transport, as is OP?

Most people like OP and me who rely on public transport are much more likely to be early than consitently late - as your aware you have less control and build in 20-30 minutes fuck up/late time and you quickly realise most people don't take buses/trains being late as a reaonable excuse for more than a one off event.

Worst offender IME for being consistent and unapologetically late are nearby walkers - seem to be oh it's not far I'll walk fast/won't be that late mentality.

I don't think it would be unreasonable to raise this as an issue with the school - as you are paying for the time - and have back up plan of local child minder who could have child for short space of time in the morning if neccesary.

Apply for the job. If you’ve get it, there will be a solution. If you’ve don’t then the problem goes away. Give it a go - and good luck!

I hear you but the margins for error are too tight and will mean you will be in a continued state of stress, buses also come early.

As part of your travel plans, you might want to check the taxi situation, since it's your backup. In our area, you absolutely cannot get a last-minute taxi during the school run. I hope everything works out!

Ugh, I had this at work once. I would be the first to arrive 95% of the time, would unlock and sort out alarms and everyone would walk in later.

But the boss hated that I got the 5.37 train, and would often ask for "one more thing" as I left at 5.30. The following trains were always significantly delayed and that "one more thing" made a 30m difference to me getting home.

She shouldn't just be there at 7.45 either - I'd bet that she needs to be there at 7.30.

Agree - anyone working in customer service (retail etc) knows that if a service begins at 8am, that doesn't mean your shift starts at 8am! Your shift starts earlier so you can be ready to start right at 8.

It’s the school’s management problem. They need to pay the woman running it to come in at 7.30 and open up, prepare and be at the door at 7.45am sharp.

Do you have a Parent Forum/representative who could raise the point?

Yes it should be functioning at 7.45am sharp but in reality you can’t make it happen so childminder is the way forward

I would see nothing wrong with asking the school if a prompt 7.45 start is going to be possible so you can apply for this job with confidence. I agree with emphasising that your employment will depend on this. No need to wait until you get the job. The issue is affecting your employability now.

@orangesandlemonssaythebellsofstclements it's electric scooters that are illegal to ride anywhere but private land unless via a hire service agreed with a local council that includes an insurance premium in the hire cost. Electric bikes are legal on the roads, with different restrictions that make the more powerful ones categorised as a motorbike that you need a licence to ride, but the least powerful ones can be legally ridden by anyone. (not that this is remotely relevant to your dilemma as I know you wouldn't want one anyway)

Maybe you could put a message on a school social media group (if there is one) asking if one or two parents could be ready to watch your child for 5 minutes if the club opens late. But it shouldn't! The doors should be open at the time stated.

I’m able to cycle and hate this idea. Sounds bloody awful seeing as we are coming to the cold and wet part of the year.

Could you cycle? Might be less stressful?

having said that YANBU the club should be open at 745. You might find there is still a queue to sign children in though!

Please don't do this no matter how sensible she is it just isn't worth the risk.

And good luck!

Well of course it's worth applying, if that's the perfect job for you right now. Stop throwing all sorts of obstacles in the way. Apply for the job, see if you get an interview, then perhaps approach the school about b.c.opening times. *it's funny how, all through school we're told how important timekeeping and punctuality are!

I've not read the whole thread though I see someone has suggested asking another parent to help with this on the days when there is late opening. Assuming you are guaranteed to be there for pick up time and maybe they have times when they are running late you could return the favour? I was also going to suggest this. I see you have said that you have not yet been able to ascertain if this will work for the upcoming school year. In your position I would have the interview but say that I have a pre-booked holiday so the start date would have to be a week or two later than the advertised start. If you get offered the job then this would give you a bit of leeway to see how things pan out at the school, read the riot act to the staff, check out the possibility of other parents being able to help, etc.