I’m a lollipop lady

[Yourinmyspot]

Probably pretty boring.

It's an important role, how did you get into it?

Do you stop the traffic if they're only adults crossing? If so why?

Oh not boring at all and very commendable. I have loads of questions!
What time do you need to be up?
Do you ever socialise with other colleagues or is it a job where you never meet other lollipop people,
Do you have regular favourites/or nemesis?
How do you know when to "step out"?

I'm glad to hear the job still exists. I remember our lollipop man (I'm now mid 40s), he was at least 110 (well when you're 7 it feels like that) and had three fingers missing on one hand. He was a lovely man. So you will be remembered by the kids.

Have the 20 mph zones made it less stressful?

It was advertised via the school and on local social media. My Daughter was in year six at the time and I volunteered quite a bit at the school and was interested in the job so I applied.

Only if there is a lot of traffic, or an adult might be slower at crossing for any reason. The only days I tend to stop it for all adults is if it’s raining. We are told to stop traffic for adults but it’s using common sense in reality.

What hours do you work?
What happens if you are on leave or off sick? Is there a lollypop agency/temp person to stand in?

Do you do lunchtimes too or is it now just before and after school?

How long have you been doing it?

What age school?

Do many children go to/from school on their own now or are most accompanied?

What impact has before/after school clubs (wraparound childcare) has on the number of children you support

I get up at 7am, my Daughter leaves for school at 7.30 and I leave for work at 8am.

No the only time I ever see colleagues is at the two yearly training refresher days. Though my boss comes from time to time for a supervision.

Yes do have favourites and nemesis’s too!

You get to know your regulars and who will be crossing and who usually dosen’t, I work on one side of a crossroads. If for example there is only one car coming I will let them pass before I step out. I always make sure that vehicles have seen me before I step out especially the ones turning out of the junctions.

It isn’t a 20mph zone where I am. I’m not directly outside the school but at a crossroads nearby.

How long do you have to stand there for? Do you get tired?

I work 30 mins in the morning and again in the afternoon.

If I’m off sick there is no stand in.

How lovely. We always remember our lollipop ladies and lollipop men. You don't see many of them now. What a great job they do.

Are you supposed to let traffic flow in between stopping them to allow parents/children to cross? One lollipop lady who volunteers near where I live causes regular traffic jams as she doesn't let enough cars past before stopping again.

It’s just before and after school.

Just over two years.

It’s a primary school, but there is also a nursery opposite so they use me too.

Most are accompanied, though some of the older ones now come on their own.

There are definitely less on some days.

Ooooh Waves

I used to be a Lollipop Lady too.

It was one of the most fun jobs I ever had.

35 minutes work twice a day, 12 weeks paid holiday and monthly pay check of £340, not to mention all the presents at the end of term!

The only thing I dreaded was the windy weather!

30 mins twice a day. No I don’t get tired.

Have you had any scary near-misses?

I try my best to keep traffic flowing especially as it’s near a crossroads and it can soon back up. If I’ve been stood out a while I will ask approaching pedestrians to wait to let some cars through.

It is a fun job, I agree about the wind! I’ve nearly blown away a few times!

My local council cut the service a few years ago now, but even today when I see 'gusts of wind 50 mph plus' on my weather app, I still get a slightly panicked feeling!

I do miss it sometimes though, especially the parents and kids who were always so grateful.

Only one idiot who thought it was funny to stop just short. He wound his window down and told me he thought it was funny I just repeated calmly that it wasn’t at all funny. He didn’t do it again.

Most people are really good, especially those that drive past every day and often stop before I’ve even ‘asked’ them too. I also know which ones won’t stop unless they absolutely have to.

Yes, they seem to be coming back in my local area they always seem to be recruiting.

The kids make it, they are ace.

The kids make it, they are ace.

Yes! As are some parents.

I found a lot of the foreign parents were particularly vocal with their gratitude, as many of them had nothing like that in their home countries and would ask if it was ok to take a photo to send to relatives.

One even asked if I'd Face Time her mum in Africa. I felt like a celebrity! 🤣🤣

I remember marching my younger sister to school the first time I was allowed to do it alone, and the lollipop man saying ' ah, another trouble', and asking her name. Somehow he seemed to remember everyone's name.

I quite fancy doing the job myself!