Chaos out side school is this a safeguarding issue?

[LegendaryReady]

I live opposite a 4 form entry primary. Drop off and pick up is very busy but doesn't usually bother me, it's only for a short time and I'm working, not going anywhere anyway. Rest of the day quiet.

Over the Covid period it's been spread over a longer period because of staggered start times and parents hanging around for other children, but needs must.

Now though, they've dropped the staggered start but still aren't allowing parents on site. So you have c. 800 children and their parents waiting on the narrow pavement in front of school all clamouring to be as close to the gate as possible. Then a teacher calls them in by class number.

Some parents aren't concentrating on what DC are doing and they end up playing in the road and when a class is called, theres no room to get through on the pavement so the children pass the crowd in the road.

Surely this isn't keeping anyone safer than allowing parents on site and is significantly increasing other risks?

No it's not a safeguarding issue.

school has only been back a couple of days things will calm down as people get used to things. If it's as chaotic as you say I suspect the school will be emailing out with a different plan for next week.

If there's 800 primary school children milling around then any driver with half a brain will crawl down that road for the 10 -15 minutes this is an issue for.

We had a similar problem last year. After lots of residents complained to the school (and the council) they agreed to open the gates and let the kids in without queues. I suppose it all depends on whether you are the only one who it bothers. If enough people complain, they have to act upon the concerns. I’m surprised the school are happy with the arrangement tbh, they might already be thinking up with a new plan, you never know.

Sounds like the ideal area for a School Streets scheme to ban traffic except residents around pick up and drop off time.

I'd wait until the end of next week, then if still no better drop an email to the school with your concerns. As PP said, hopefully the school will have already spotted and sorted the problem by then.

Some schools are bonkers.
Some parents are idiots.

Adds up to carnage.

Safety and safeguarding aren't the same thing in a school.

Yes, it's a safety issue.

Driving past a school at pick up or drop off time is my most terrifying driving experience.

@PinkFootstool

Safety and safeguarding aren't the same thing in a school.

Yes, it's a safety issue.

Amen.

Sick of the word safeguarding being used inappropriately.

Schools and colleges themselves are the worst for it though!!

Our school is doing this. I cannot see the point of it and I'm sure the neighbours are going to get totally pissed off with it pretty quickly but no it's not a safeguarding issue.

seems crazy they wont let them on to the playing field/playground

My niece and nephew's school is similar. Makes all the kids wait on the pavement rather than in the playground. It's next to a bypass and is a recipe for disaster, imo. They could space out a lot better in the playground too. I don't understand the logic.

Accidents in school are reviewed as part of safeguarding though?

@pastabest

No it's not a safeguarding issue.

school has only been back a couple of days things will calm down as people get used to things. If it's as chaotic as you say I suspect the school will be emailing out with a different plan for next week.

If there's 800 primary school children milling around then any driver with half a brain will crawl down that road for the 10 -15 minutes this is an issue for.

You'd think wouldn't you? It's not people passing through who drive too fast at drop off time though, it's parents in a hurry.

Why are kids counted/checked at the gate? Apart from reception in the first week, surely they should just walk in? Check them in playground if needs be, ours have a soft start and just go to their classroom-I’m assuming the teacher prefers sitting in their classroom waiting rather than outside in the rain?

Safety-maybe
Safeguarding- no.
Hopefully once everyone settled back in the scrum at drop off will get better.

@superram

Why are kids counted/checked at the gate? Apart from reception in the first week, surely they should just walk in? Check them in playground if needs be, ours have a soft start and just go to their classroom-I’m assuming the teacher prefers sitting in their classroom waiting rather than outside in the rain?

Parents and the school insist that children are handed over to a member of staff. I don't think it's necessary either, certainly not for junior pupils, but that's how it is. It was like that when my DC were there and they're adults now.

They don't let them out without a parent to collect either.

I live opposite a primary (not in UK) and it's always been a bit like that. The kids used to be in the yard with their parents, then during the height of Covid they were in the yard but in their own class lines, not sure what will happen this year as they aren't back yet. It's worse when it rains because you've got 800 brollies poking your eyes out as well!

They used to have parents and children waiting by the external classroom doors, but now aren't allowing parents on site for drop off/pick up

Yes you are right, it doesn't sound at all safe. Hopefully they'll sort it out soon

It's one for the council I think.