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.

I assume OP put this school as first choice and will make the choice whether to accept the space or not.

We do similar with one car between us but my partner cycles with a tandem/tag along thing for our eldest ( the kind where it’s sort of like a kids bike stuck on the back) when it’s his turn. They both enjoy it but I wouldnt fancy it myself!

If it's your catchment/allocated school then the LA has to provide transport over a certain distance, which I think for EY/KS1 is 1.5 miles?

@Tallblacktrees taking a child's weight into consideration, plus fitness/potential tiredness of the OP, any additional "cargo" and weather conditions an e-bike is the best solution. I transport my DD by e-bike regularly. DD is 21kg. In very windy weather believe me it can be an effort even on an e-bike!

I've just checked, if it's your nearest school then the LA has to provide transport if the child is under 8 and the distance is over 2 miles

Electric cargo bike

That wasn't what she said. It was when DH does the school run blah blah blah. For me, I have to go back to the station.

Imagine a full stop rather than a comma before "for me".

The OP has said her local school is a 10 minute walk away

Childminder who does drop off and pick up. Dc school was literally round the corner, but breakfast club didn't open until 8 and we both had to be in work at the latest by 8- with 40 minute drives in opposite directions. Cm worked, mixed with some asc.

Have you got a bike? I'd test out what it's like to bike there and if it's doable it would be okay. No way id want to do the walk regularly.

@Tarantella6 aggghhh I left my glasses at work and thought it was a full stop after the 'for me''. Doh!!

Not if hes knackered from having to walk for an hour before he starts the day!

If it's got great wrap around, would breakfast club/after school club allow for a guaranteed car journey?

Also worth thinking about what happens if he wants to go to tea with a friend or wants a friend to come to you. Much easier when it’s your local school.

Can the car always be available for the school drop and one parent make alternate travem arrangements?

Cheaper to buy a second car.

I just can't comprehend needing an electric bike for a 2 Mike cycle even in windy weather with a child. I'm no fitness fanatic but unless there are steep hills you shouldn't even need to break a sweat for that!

@Tallblacktrees have you actually tried doing it? Especially at the end of an exhausting day at the office. Yes, its doable on a push bike but the OP wanted quick and easy transportation.

I used tlo bike to school with dc. First in trailer then in a seat that sat on cross frame - think it went to 6. Used leave bike locked up at school and go to work.

Even easier if you have an e bike!

A state school with low class sizes is at risk of closure.

I would always go for the primary school you can walk to. I spent too many years watching pissed off, late, stressed people trying to park and then get to work, it looked horrendous.

I used to walk a mile with my kids which is the maximum that I’d go for tbh. It’s fine on a dry spring day but it’s crappy on icy or rainy days and I’m not considering any hills you might have.

Does your child walk a few miles in rain and ice already?

Is there a closer school? The HT and management team of your preferred school could change at any time and become a school you do t like. Likewise a more local school could have leadership changes and become one you wished you had sent your child to.

I'd say stick with local then they will have local friends who they go to school with in their own street. They will still learn but you won't have to drag them on a long 'commute'.

We’ve got a bike seat that attaches onto the front which is more suitable for older kids. I think cycling is your best option here.

We were sad to decide not to apply for an outstanding primary because it was a mile up a big hill and with one car we couldn’t make it work.