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Original poster

Would you let your 11 year old travel an hour to school?

63 replies

PeterAndJayne · 14/12/2018 18:35

In chat for traffic.

I have found a school that's perfect for DS except its an hour from home via 2 trains. He would need to leave at about 7.15 and return at about 6pm. Moving is an option but that would only reduce his journey by 20 mins (can't move nearer due to work and other child is settled in school). It's one of the few schools that can meet his needs. The alternative is support in mainstream but I fear he would end up floundering in bottom sets (he has complex S&L problems). I keep justifying by thinking it's only for 5 years, lots of holidays etc.

OP posts:
ViragoKnows · 15/12/2018 08:42

Just to clarify, he has a draft EHCP but we are appealing to increase the support to include a named school for the move to secondary next year.

Well then you're halfway there. Stiffen your resolve.

If the soecial independent school is the only one that can meet his needs, start evidencing that and don't dilute your case with “but the mainstream + unit would suffice” thoughts or admissions.

The way to get a SEN package is to tesearch, decide, make a good case and then DO NOT BLINK.

Even if it goes to tribunal (who DO NOT scrimp on children’s needs). Even if you have to wait until this time next year for a hearing date (and he therefore loses a term of education). You have to be tungsten. Because the LA will use any excuse to sell him short.

ViragoKnows · 15/12/2018 08:44

Interesting to note that mostly people who have actually done it, wouldn't recommend.

Heh. DS did, I did, and we’ve both just agreed that, it was worth it for the schooling we had.

LtGreggs · 15/12/2018 08:50

What about option for a car share or taxi share with other families from your town?

My DC have had a 45 min public bus to school since we moved them to independent last year - youngest was 8 at the time. They are out of house from 7:30 to either 5 or 6 depending on after school activities. It's mostly fine, but definitely need a back-up plan for transport failure (and that's just one bus).

I know some families from further out places with worse/no bus options do arrange their own taxi shares.

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Original poster
PeterAndJayne · 15/12/2018 09:14

I think I need to look into options of him getting transport. There's no way he would be able to deal with the myriad of eventualities if something went wrong. Mostly due to his SEN, but also his age. I just can't imagine what would happen if he missed a train or left something on a train (he will). He's definitely not ready for that.

OP posts:
Original poster
PeterAndJayne · 15/12/2018 09:15

Thanks all. It's been food for thought.

OP posts:
Thespace · 15/12/2018 09:16

My dc same age has a taxi to get to school (sen) which is funded but I would pay for it if necessary.

fourquenelles · 15/12/2018 09:25

I did an hour and 20 minutes to school by bus. The travelling wasn't too bad and there was a rail alternative if needed. But I could never stay for after school activities as I would miss connections. So no netball or hockey, no art or debating clubs. All my school friends lived more local to school as well so I missed out on after school socialization too. It was a great school and I had a great education but it was lonely.

Annandale · 15/12/2018 09:25

Sorry, I wouldn't, not for a child with receptive language problems. My dh did an hour each way from I think 12 to 18 and was scathing about it, he was miserable and exhausted, and had no language issues (depressed from 14 though).

JustMarriedAndLovingIt · 15/12/2018 09:32

It’s not that I wouldn’t let DS travel an hour but it’s a lot on top of a busy school day. That would make it a no from me i’m afraid.

CyclerRider · 15/12/2018 09:42

My DD had an hour's bus journey home and got in just before 5pm as I worked late.

However I could drop her off in the morning (20mins by car) on the way to work so it was not an early start.

I don't think she would manage both before and after school, esp two different trains.

steppemum · 15/12/2018 16:16

Seriously look at cost.
My kids train passes cost £1,000 per year. You may be able to book a regular taxi for that!

steppemum · 15/12/2018 16:28

just to respond to fourquenelles, if it is a public train, than they can stay for clubs and get a later train.

My kids go on the train, and the advantage is that there are a group of them. It is also a local quiet train, and the station staff at this end all know them. That makes a huge difference if the train is cancelled etc. The older ones make sure younger ones are OK. Very different if you are talking about London stations for example

fourbaubles · 18/12/2018 09:56

steppemum should have explained that I had to rely on a school coach to drop me at the station/bus stop 20 minutes from the school. If I didn't make the coach after school I was stuck.

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