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Original poster

Would you let your 9 year old get the bus?

24 replies

DeepFriedKermit · 07/04/2024 11:20

My DD is almost 10 and is quite sensible. She has expressed a desire to get the bus to and from school.

The stop is right outside our house and the other stop is outside the school.

She's asked for a trial run this half term so she can do it herself for the summer term.

Her school lets kids make their own way from the start of year 4.

OP posts:
willsandnoodle · 07/04/2024 11:22

Not a chance. My child started using the bus in year 7, with a friend, and even then I felt uncomfortable

MrsSkylerWhite · 07/04/2024 11:23

No. Would wait for secondary.

arghhchoo · 07/04/2024 11:25

Yes if she had a friend with her.

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Hoglet70 · 07/04/2024 11:36

I would let her. She could text you when she arrives every day.

Original poster
DeepFriedKermit · 07/04/2024 11:43

I would be tracking her. I'd be putting her on the bus in the mornings

OP posts:
FrenchandSaunders · 07/04/2024 11:45

Yes I would at nearly 10. Has to start somewhere and the dangers at 11/12 are no different to now.

Zola1 · 07/04/2024 12:10

No, too young in my opinion and most schools don't let them arrive and leave by themselves til y6

Justbrowsing2024 · 07/04/2024 12:12

No way

starpatch · 07/04/2024 12:14

I did let mine get the bus aged 9 nearly 10. Was great for his confidence. It was just a mile home from town while I walked so I saw him afterwards. With yours could she text you when she arrived so you know she got there safely? Its good for them to practice on shorter bus routes before they have to go town to town for secondary. On a shorter route they can get off and walk if there is a problem.

Kalevala · 07/04/2024 12:15

Are other school children taking the bus? DS was taking a school bus at 9 that stopped at other schools. I would have let him take a public bus if it was regularly used by other school children. Certainly at 10.

LutonBeds · 07/04/2024 12:15

Zola1 · 07/04/2024 12:10

No, too young in my opinion and most schools don't let them arrive and leave by themselves til y6

OP says in opening post her school allow it.

PuttingDownRoots · 07/04/2024 12:16

Is she used to doing the journey with you? Is the bus reliable? How long does it take?

Pinkpinkpink15 · 07/04/2024 12:19

@DeepFriedKermit

reading your title I thought 'no'. I had assumed A bus, any bus to town/friend etc, but a direct one to school & back when she's 10, totally fine. Maybe make it part of her 10th birthday!

how has she been getting there until now?

Original poster
DeepFriedKermit · 07/04/2024 12:23

The bus ride is around 30 minutes and it's only on at term time so other kids do get in from her school.

I've been taking her to school every day. Funny enough when she starts secondary then it's a 2 minute walk as we live on the same road so it'll only be for years 5 & 6

I've always encouraged independence and I know they're kids who won't go on the bus as they're not used to it, I don't want DD to be one of those.

OP posts:
Kalevala · 07/04/2024 12:27

The bus ride is around 30 minutes and it's only on at term time so other kids do get in from her school.

So it's pretty much a school bus that might have the odd member of the public on it too? Absolutely fine in that scenario.

SilverDoe · 07/04/2024 12:28

I don’t know if I would do it that age but that doesn’t really matter as it is up to you as her parent and the school allows it. The tracking her phone and taking her to the bus stops are exactly what I would do.

How many stops is it?

I would also want to ensure that she knew what to do if the bus was late (on the way home as you will obviously be with her on the way there), what to do if she accidentally misses her stop, and be clear she needs to inform you if there are any delays home. A bit more tricky but she also needs to be confident enough to approach and talk to people like the bus driver if there are any issues.

Does she already get the bus? Honestly my 6 year old could likely take the bus himself as he’s had to do it for a full year with me and has a great sense of direction, and like you the bus goes right outside the school. But it’s all the other stuff around the actual journey that they need to be confident with.

SilverDoe · 07/04/2024 12:30

Oh I see it is essentially a school bus, sounds fine OP if she is gonna be 10 😊

Gymmum82 · 07/04/2024 12:30

My 10yr has been walking herself to and from school since the start of year 5. So I think it’s fine

Original poster
DeepFriedKermit · 07/04/2024 12:30

Kalevala · 07/04/2024 12:27

The bus ride is around 30 minutes and it's only on at term time so other kids do get in from her school.

So it's pretty much a school bus that might have the odd member of the public on it too? Absolutely fine in that scenario.

Yes pretty much - I've ridden it a few times to work and it's mostly school kids and teachers that use it.

I'm changing jobs to a school (office admin) within walking distance so it would benefit me but if it didn't work then I'd happily take her and collect her again.

OP posts:
pimplebum · 07/04/2024 12:31

We started at 10 her phone is trackable and also has a tracker in her coat
Both parents very nearby if any thing goes wrong

welshweasel · 07/04/2024 12:31

Yes of course I would allow her to, why wouldn't you! I would probably put her on the bus myself to start with, and make sure we talked about what to do in various circumstances, such as if she missed the bus stop for any reason.

Original poster
DeepFriedKermit · 07/04/2024 12:32

The bus app also tracks buses and her ticket would be digital too. I have family where her school is so any problems she would make her way to Aunties house (2 mins from school)

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 07/04/2024 13:43

I would. I have a nearly 10 year old who would be fine with this. She's been walking to and from school since the start of year 5.

Theothername · 07/04/2024 13:48

I was going to say no, but having read your post I’d say yes. Let her try a few times but I wouldn’t assume she’s ready to take the bus to school from now on. Let it be an adventure. Great way to support her independence.

Ask another school mum to keep an eye out for her if the school doesn’t automatically notify of absence.

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