To think the school can't ask this of parents?

[MrsShitty]

It's a lovely primary school but I am at the newsletter I've just read informing me that in the SUmmer the DC will be doin Forest School at a venue 2 miles from school...it's quite a rural area so it's not a simple two miles at all....the thing is ttaking place every other day for a week or more and we're being asked to drop off there and pick up there at normal school time.

I get the frigging bus to school...theres no bus to this place...my younger child is in nursery at the school and that's going to be very difficult...they have indicated that parents must drop off and pick up at this venue and that they may be ten minutes early or late to "simplify this"

I can't get there! I will have to foist myself and my DC on another parent which feels awkward....I don't quite know how to tackle this. How will parents who have very little time manage? Lots have jobs...should I say something? Surely they need to do a bus?

For me, if the school wants to take the children off site, then the school ought to provide transport for those who need it.

Parents shouldn't have to sort out taxis (which can be expensive and doesn't solve the problem of a complete stranger ferrying children around, without either their parent or teacher present).

Why don't you had a word with the Headteacher? Our school often does plain daft things like asking you to be at one venue off site when you have to pick up your second child from the school on time. They just don't think, but it has never been insurmountable even if it meant the head would take the children herself in her own car. I agree it's uncomfortable asking someone else to take your child as I don't like it at all - so don't be proud, speak to the school.

I think schools are avoiding transport because it is so expensive, it often costs more than the activity itself.

So because you refuse to compromise even slightly on transport arrangements, everyone misses out?

www.cornwalls.co.uk/photos/img1768.htm

There you go. No mud, no brambles, no toileting or transport issues. You could link up your iPod and download birdsong for a total learning experience.

I think the easiest answer is to have another parent take your DD with them, whilst you take your other child to nursery. Most people I know have a spare booster cushion too, and to fit one extra child in the car is far easier than trying to find someone who can fit in an extra child and an extra mum.

I know you have said you don't like the idea but your Dd is 7y and ime every child I know has been allowed to do this, most to simply so they can go and play after school.

A coach would be expensive and I suspect them you'd get parents complaining about that cost.

Speak to school to see if they have a solution. Some teachers may have the additional insurance to be allowed to take a pupil in their car, however, you may need to provide a booster cushion yourself - but you can get them for about £10 these days anyway. Not all teachers will have the insurance to allow them to do this though.

seeker er....where did I say that? Honestly MN has become bonkers...people leaping on other people the moment they show some doubt about something. Pathetic.

Sorry mrsS -that was aimed at kharmabeliver- not you!

Really though, don't worry about asking for lifts- us drivers like giving them- it makes us feel less guilty about our carbon footprints!

Our school has made it quite difficult to give other children lifts. You have to go in armed with insurance, mot and personal details then wait to be crb checked.

I forgot to get all that done for one offsite activity and just ended up taking my own dc and another mum and her dc but that was ok because she was in the car too (and happened to be a friend as well) Such a palavar. I know it put people off offering.

MrsS Did you talk to the teacher?

I would be happy either. Its hardly inclusive of all is it? They should have said that to keep costs down if parents with transport could drop children off that would be helpful. However those who will have difficulties please contact the office/teacher so the school can make arrangements.

Plus I wouldn't be happy my child using a booster cushion. They offer no real protection and are due to be phased out next year with new car seat regulations. I wouldn't want my child to be less safe in another parents car than in mine.

What new car seat regulations? Link please.

Can't find it as on phone but basically I think it's the i size standards that are due in means they wont pass as no size impact protection. Britax actually no longer manufacteur them (although they are still selling off old ones) Same regs are hoping to bring in mandatory rearfacing til 14mths.

It can be inconvenient for other people to give my child a lift. Usually parents like to give lifts to kids whose parents drive so that one family drops off and another picks up, rather than one family having to drive somewhere twice.

Not always the case. I am happy to give lifts, and often the other family don't give lifts in return but sometimes some other favour has been offered.

yanbu at all. why does the school assume every parent will drive. I would talk to your dc teachers

I do think it a bit unreasonable as it's not a one-off. Out of ds' class 16 out of 30 children have at least 1 if not 2 siblings in the school who need to be picked up. Sure people can double up with turns of who takes which children and so on but it certainly wouldn't be easy. I currently can't drive so would have to ask a favour of someone. Saying which our school does school trips and provides transport. At most you have to get them to school a little earlier than usual and pick up a little later.

Sure there are ways to solve this, lift sharing, teachers giving lifts or organising of a cab for a number of children. Or you find someone else with a child in nursery and your dc's class and offer to do the school drop-off in return for them taking the dcs to the forest. All solvable but I'd also be feeling a bit peeved to be put in this position.