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Original poster

Would you do this? Let DD come home when you're not there?

111 replies

Haypyrexic · 12/05/2020 10:40

DD is 8. DS has been offered a time slot for a therapy which is in a different town. It counts as a school lesson so would be compulsory for a year if I agree to it.

The therapy ends at half past and if he is out exactly on time we would just (barring any unforeseen problems like train barriers being down, DS being late out or needing the loo) be able to get the :46 bus, arriving at :50 in our town. Then a 5 minute walk home.

DD finishes school at quarter to, has a two minute walk home.

If we miss the bus, next would be at :20 and I would not be able to contact DD.

OP posts:

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 12/05/2020 14:21

Have a look at private nursery's some do school pick ups. DD went to one that picked her up from school in a minibus and was open till 6pm and took children up to the end of year 6. It cost £7 an hour and was eligible for childcare funding from the govt.

eddiemairswife · 12/05/2020 14:26

If she has a key to let herself in why not? Do you have a landline? If so , she can phone you when she gets home. People are so risk averse, I wonder when, if ever, they let go of the apron strings.

Original poster

Haypyrexic · 12/05/2020 14:29

We do have a spare key. She is prone to losing things though... we don't have a landline but she could call us from a tablet over the WiFi.
I've not asked her yet, but I don't think she would like it. As a one off maybe, but every week probably not.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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8 year olds Families

GreyishDays · 12/05/2020 14:41

Spare key could be sorted by tying one inside her bag.

Lllot5 · 12/05/2020 15:03

I think she’s too young.
If the school are saying the speech therapy is compulsory then I think it’s only fair that they help facilitate it.
May not be financial but letting her hang in school for ten mins.

Lllot5 · 12/05/2020 15:04

Or failing that ask one of your mates to grab her for a while.

pussycatinboots · 12/05/2020 15:10

their extra compulsory lessons

Then the school need to arrange for someone (TA?) to accompany him so you are able to collect your DD from school.

pussycatinboots · 12/05/2020 15:11

Actually, what would happen if you were working and unable to take time off ever week?
What would they do about their extra compulsory lessons then?

darkforceofexcesszeal · 12/05/2020 15:25

Your SLT doesn’t come to the school? Dd had her outside school version which was via community paed and at the children’s centre, but the education authority SLTs always came to the school and scheduled all the kids.on their list.
I’m slightly bewildered that it’s school telling you that you have to take him elsewhere. I assumed it was via health and so the appointment times didn’t take into account school as it wasn’t education based.
As it is, I would be contacting the IncO or whatever your local version at the education authority and asking for their advice. They may have additional funds or access to transportation service.

JKScot4 · 12/05/2020 15:27

This is my 3rd time saying contact your local council school transport co ordinator, he’s likely entitled to transport as it’s within school hours!!

Iwalkinmyclothing · 12/05/2020 15:31

I'm tempted to tell the school I've done enough running around getting him to their extra compulsory lessons and if they want him to go, they have to sort us a taxi.

That sounds the way to go, because honestly having read your posts I can't see what else you can do. Your DD is too young to go home alone (I'm surprised, if you're in the UK, that a teacher suggested it), she can't be pulled out of lessons to go with you as that is unfair and unreasonable, the cost of a taxi is extortionate, you've clearly thought about this a lot so if a childminder etc was an option open to you, you'd have sorted it... what else can you do but return to school and tell them you need them to facilitate the therapy they say is compulsory?

NeedAUsernameGenerator · 12/05/2020 15:33

If the school want you to take it perhaps they can agree for DD to wait in reception for you? Then you should be able to let the therapist know that DS needs to be finished on time. Or wait for another time slot to come up?

okiedokieme · 12/05/2020 15:36

After school activities? Ask school if she can help in the school library/office for 30 mins? My DD's went to the school library once a week when i had a team meeting in very similar time situation

drspouse · 12/05/2020 15:50

They might be able to squeeze her in at after school club, even if it's only some weeks when there is another child absent. Then you could ring the school if you are late and they are about to let her out/look out for you, and they could try and babysit her in after school club if possible.
If the school are understanding (assuming DS is at the same school and they want him to succeed too) they would hopefully be able to work something out.

Original poster

Haypyrexic · 12/05/2020 19:37

Actually, what would happen if you were working and unable to take time off ever week?
The only person I know in this situation had her mum travel an hour each way to take her son to his appointment.

There are no after school activities and the school office isn't open that day.

JKScot4 Thanks, I had no idea - could have saved myself a few years bus fare. Although until now, I've always arranged it after school and there was no mention of there being help available. But I think they will only cover the cheapest bus fare i.e. not a taxi. Will read a bit more in depth. DH says no way and he's far more lax about leaving DC alone. I was just unsure as it was a teacher suggesting it!

I also don't understand why she doesn't go to the school and it has to be at the school in neighbouring town.

OP posts:

silverstrawberry · 12/05/2020 21:20

@redskyatnight yea I'm sure I must be really cramping their style by being at home for the kids In time just be real is all I'm saying 8 years old is far too young.Children mature at different ages but I would say no on this one my kids have all come home late due to school not communicating properly things do happen which you may need to be around for

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 12/05/2020 21:23

How 9ld is DS?

Can't DH finish early / take a late lunch to facilitate this?

INeedNewShoes · 12/05/2020 21:36

I’d consider doing this if you have neighbours that DD could knock on their door if you were very delayed or if she had an issue with the key or anything else.

However, I would definitely look into am after school club for DD so that you know she’ll be safe.

But if you/your DS’ assistant/GP/teacher/consultant don’t think DS will benefit from the therapy, it’s ok to consider giving it a miss.

BendingSpoons · 12/05/2020 21:46

Have you spoken to the therapist? Does it need to be a whole hour? Could you leave a few minutes early? Obviously still a risk if the bus doesn't turn up, but might be doable if you could have a neighbour on standby for those times, but could usually be home in time to meet DD.

Is it individual sessions or group sessions? If it's individual, would they consider a video call? You could take DS and do the video call from there. I'm a SALT and we have started using video at the moment due to covid.

Are you in the UK? I'm surprised at you having weekly therapy for a year!

CoffeeRevelLove · 12/05/2020 21:47

I think it depends on the 8 year old!

BendingSpoons · 12/05/2020 21:47

*take DS HOME and do the video from there

altiara · 12/05/2020 22:14

I think 8 is too young. And our school wouldn’t let them walk home alone at that age. Y5/Y6 yes.
I’d ask to be in a waiting list for your actual than and explain why. Unless DD has any friends she can walk to their house with.

converseandjeans · 12/05/2020 22:25

I think 8 is too young. You need to ask another parent to help out or get DH to ask to finish early or something. If you really have to then you'll have to get a basic phone for her.

Stompythedinosaur · 12/05/2020 22:30

I think 8 is too young, and I'd be especially concerned because you'll be dependant on public transport.

Of the school can't squeeze your dd into after school club then I would say you can't take the therapy slot.

TitianaTitsling · 12/05/2020 22:34

She's 8! Absolutely not, and I think that's an unfair chat to have with her, would you be saying it like 'your dB needs this therapy but only if you do x'?

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