AIBU or is the school?

[extremepie]

I have 2 ds's who attend the same school just over a mile from our house.

Since the start of school the head has been moaning at me about the kids coming into school late - to be fair they are late most days but I have explained the reasons why several times to the head as follows:

I don't drive and rely on the bus which arrives at the school between 8.50-8.55, school starts at 8.45 so not a huge difference and obviously I can't control the bus times

The bus only runs once an hour so my only other option would be to take the boys in early for breakfast club - except for the fact that it costs £5.40 a day for breakfast club & I can't afford this

I have no friends or family who can give me a lift

My youngest has asd and cannot walk independently, he also doesn't attend school for full days meaning I have to do 3 school runs a day, 8.45, 1.30 & 3.15. If i walk to school in the morning I miss the bus back, then I have to walk up again at half one meaning I normally would have to walk between 5 and 6 miles a day just to take them to school & back!

I can't afford taxis every day

Knowing all these circumstances AIBU to take them to school 5-10 mind late everyday and expect the school to be a little more understanding?

I'm a teacher (secondary) and I think YANBU and the school should be much more sympathetic and flexible. Yes, it's a bit tricky when someone is regularly late but in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter that much, especially if the teachers know about it in advance. I've taught students who have special arrangements to be a bit late (last year one student training to be an olympic swimmer so at least 20 minutes late every morning) and it wasn't particularly difficult to work around it. I planned for their lateness as part of my job. I would set everything they needed out on their desk so they could come in and get straight on. Sometimes a little note explaining stuff they needed to know. Ok, so this wouldn't work in the same way for much younger children but just trying to make the point that I see it as part of my job to be flexible. BTW you sound like a pretty amazing mum to me!

Re the transport no you and your older child will not be able to use it too. If your ds needs accompanying it will be an escort thats provided. Some parents find even greater issues with time keeping once transport for sn is arranged. Unfortunately there will be no allowances made for the fact you have another child to get to school too.

Jacks parents can act as escorts if its just their child traveling at least they can in my county

jellyboatsandpirates

If you can't be arsed to read the thread, could you at least read the OP's posts?

Do any of your children have SN?

extremepie Try taking your DC out of school for a day because you have an appointment somewhere - bet the HT would be as understanding for that as he is for your 'lateness'.

No, he cannot do that ask you to keep your DC at home! Get in touch with the CoG and the Governor responsible for SN. Start kicking off!

OP: the school are acting appallingly ( as are the many judgemental posters on this thread who have either not read all the posts or are being deliberately obtuse)

You can choose for your child to only attend for half days - the school can not decide this on yr behalf purely to make life easier for themselves. They have a duty to provide suitable support for yr child on a full time basis and the fact that a particular TA only works mornings is not yr problem. School will have to pay someone for the afternoons too. I work in a school and am amazed that they are not being more supportive to you. I suggest you contact yr local Parent Partnership to support you. Best of luck

How're you getting on extremepie?

Op I reported this thread to get it moved! Mnhq have said if u wish for it to be moved for better support and not a thrashing can u let them know! Hope ur ok

I've been thinking about you too OP (been lurking from the start but didn't want to get into a bunfight with some of the smug twats who have posted - it's this type of complete ignorance that can really grind you down), it must be very difficult for you and your dc. The fact that you stayed here and responded to the nastiness shows how strong you can be and I bet you are doing a great job given all the pressures on you. The nastiness demonstrates precisely why there is a 'Special Needs - Children' board. Really good luck and I hope your ds gets into the SS soon.

extreme the way around you going in taxi with your other DS is to ask about you being the escort.

My experience of transport is that it is done in batch for many children and will likely leave your house way before you need to and arrive back after you due to doing a number of pick ups and drop offs.