Am I fooling myself? (School run & distance)

[december2020]

I wasn't sure what topic to put this under, so opted for Chat.

The first choice school I'd pick for DS is about 2.2 miles away.

Maps says it is about a 50 minute walk, 14 min bike ride and 10 minute drive.
DS will be starting reception, so 4 years old turning 5, so he has little legs and walking is boring.

We've got one car at the moment and due to work patterns between DH and I, there won't always be a car available for school pick ups and drop offs

On car days, parking will be very limited. DH can carry on to work when he's doing the school run, for me, I'd need to drive back home to then walk to the train station.

On non-car days, I need to get to the school, then carry on to the train station to get to the office. DH takes the car due to his work and hours.

We are looking to get another car, but need to have a back-up plan till then. Even so, car days for me aren't ideal with the back and forth and then walk to the station. It may even be faster for me to go to the station straight from the school.

Am I fooling myself that we can make this work? What would even be the best commute pattern? DH and I both work full time and have no family nearby to help, so it is solely on us.

I think this would be the hands down absolute best school and choice for DS, hence why I am seriously considering it.

What are the chances of him getting a space?

Sounds hard work with 1 car.

My dcs went to a pre school 3.5 miles away. But was easy with a car. I'd never walk it with young ones.
It became hard when one was still there and one started school a mile away with timings was do able but a massive rush

Any bus routes that would help? Not necessarily for every day, but if it's chucking it down etc. Also does he have a scooter? That's the only way I'd get DS to do over 2 miles regularly 😅

That is a long walk for a 4 year old.
I think you need to look at alternatives.

My reception child manages 0.8 miles in about 12 mins on a bike or 15 mins walking. On the way home it can be much longer. She already been walking, scooting or cycling this daily for 2 years.

Does he do much walking now?

What's parking near the school really like at drop off and pick up times?

Carve out some time and try it out

I won't lie - I struggle with a 10 minute walk! Especially in the rain. She's ok, but especially on days that there is stuff to have to take in it's a faff.

I sometimes take a scooter to pick her up but I think 2.2 miles would be too far for that.

So I think probably a bike is your best option with a seat for your child?

It’s too far without a car for a 4 year old, you need to either choose another school or make sure you have a second car.

Honestly I’d go for a closer school. 50 minutes walk is too long before school for many at that age, especially when it’s bad weather.

Our school is 1 mile away, takes about 20-25 minutes with DD6 riding her scooter and me walking. She's not much of a walker and would kick up a fuss without her scooter.
I do drive on days with bad weather, would hate to do that walk in the rain but appreciate there's families who live the same distance and walk in all weather (by choice).

I'd say 1 hour 15 mins in the morning, 1,30 to 1.45 when he's tired. You'd need a car realistically!

How close is your catchment school?

Why is this one better than the other? Is a regular possible 1.5 hour (it’ll take much longer with a tired 4/5yo) walk home in the freezing rain the best choice for a positive school day?

I would completely discount walking. It would be a nightmare having to go that distance regularly on foot.

I'd still consider the school but only if a taxi/uber was affordable on non-car days.

The 14 minute bike ride sounds do-able though, get a bike seat.

Alternatively a few school parents have electric cargo bikes around here if you could afford one?

I think that's too long as well when you don't consistently have access to a car plus it just seems too long to be able to get to work/back to school?

My kids school is a mile away, it's the longest I would want to walk tbh, it takes up a lot of time and after a busy day at work sometimes I really can't be bothered.

They definitely couldn't go much further, they would have to walk loads faster and I think it would be too much for a primary school aged child.

Factoring in terrible weather..it would just be miserable.

I would consider it if there was reliable public transport to cut down the time but you have to consider the cost and if one bus didn't turn up could you get another one quickly or get there/to work on foot in time.

I agree it's too far to walk, but could be a feasible bike ride. Is there a safe route? Can you ride a bike? Can your child?
If you can cycle there safely then a bike with trailer, or a follow-me-tandem or a cargo bike are all options to consider, depending on your budget and storage options. Family cycling group on Facebook would have lots of advice on different setups.

Firstly, I would walk it. Maps says one thing. What's the reality. Is it safe. Pavements, heavy traffic.

Then, I would give it a go. But without child walking. Big out n about push chair, something like that.

Some days they may walk, but school is tiring. Two of mine picked up a nap after school.

Try this weekend walking 2 miles somewhere and back again with DS and see how long it takes. Then imagine doing that most days (with doing an extra 4 miles yourself). You will all be exhausted and miserable.

also by mid juniors having local friends is very valuable. Unless your local school is dreadful then I’d pick a closer school that will leave you all with energy than a far one and permanent exhaustion.

The chances of a space are very high.
The school has phenomenal facilities, great community and smaller class sizes. It also has great extra curricular and good wrap around care.

Our catchment school is ok, but it's nowhere near as good as the other school. However, it is much better from a commute point of view, being a 10 minute walk away. Wrap-around care may be difficult to get and we may be on a waiting list for a while and need to figure out what we're going to do in the interim,

From a daily routine, the catchment school will be much easier once we figure out wraparound care. The other school will likely be much more enriching for DS.

There would be no chance my tired and overwhelmed 4 year old would walk 50 mins each way, or even 1-way, I think a mile is more realistic but even then they likely to be hungry, or need the loo, or just really really might not want to walk as too tired and you’ll have a battle on your hands. Scooting is an option if they stay near you and it isn’t stressful but I find it nervy waiting for them to stop at corners and worry about cars reversing out of drives. Also, you don’t know how they will adapt to school and if they protest and don’t want to go in, that will make the journey even harder!

To put it into context, if this was your nearest school the council would provide transport - I think the cut off is 2 miles for primary pupils and 3 for secondary though I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. But I am pretty sure that they think 2 miles is too far for a primary school, child to walk. Unfortunately of course if it is your choice not to apply to your closest school you're not entitled to any help, but it does give you an idea as to whether you're being reasonable to consider walking regularly.
To be honest, I think you are setting yourself up to fail if you don't have a car every day and/or someone to help with transport. What would your plan be for pick up? It sounds like it could end up being a lot of time out of your day and 7 years is a long time. I'd look at alternatives.

That is way too far. My 14 year old walks 1.9 miles home and finds it hard, especially in the rain and cold. I drive him to school so it's just one way.

How bike friendly is the route? Can you cycle? An e-bike with a child seat would be an option until your DS can cycle longer distances.

Once DS starts at school you might find theres other families who live close by so possibility of car pooling/sharing?

Is a taxi a realistic option? Or get a cargo bike?

Honestly if you can manage the catchment school i would. Life will be much more pleasant for all of you with a 10 min walk. You have 7 years at primary. In years 5 and 6 he will want to walk with his friends.