To think that a 5 minute drop-off window between school drop off and school start time is too narrow?

[FloatIsRechargedNow]

Just that really - I think it is but I could be wrong and there may be many other examples of where this works well. Other info (if needed):

Indie SS for EBSD/ADHD boys aged 8-19 with a dedicated unit for ASD.
The 5 minute rule applies to Day Boys only.
Many Day Boys travel up to 30 miles each way, rush hour with the last 3 on windy,country lanes (not my ds).
If the boys arrive before 0855 they must wait in their taxis/cars if they arrive after 0900 they are late.

Is this OK even if it was a different circumstance?

I suspect this would not apply in practice.

Is it a school directive? I just wondered because many school headteachers (or whoever comes up with such an idea) does not realise how many parents go to work so their time is also important.

Why wouldn't it work?
If the students are allowed to trickle in at any time before a specific time, then who supervises?
It's not about who ever comes up with these ideas not realising that parents go to work. Schools are not there for childcare.

Thank you for your responses so far - and with regards to childcare bloody whilst indirectly relevant, I don't think my actual AIBU was about the childcare debate, just asking if a 5 minute window was UR or not.

And Happy as you say, who's time is it that is considered overarchingly important? I have willingly already sacrificed my right to any time not pre-determined (in their own minds of course) by other earthly authorities by dint of being a parent alone (leaving aside the SN). I can jump through the hoops, etc but it's the inconsideration for the taxi drivers, their companies and the often much-appreciated yet underpaid transport escorts too. Never mind the 10+ boys 'herbudgeoning' in the vehicles awaiting the ceremonious "you may come in now".

It's too small a window. 15 mins would be much more reasonable.

I would think for an average school or would be fine but as it's a special school it is bound to have a wider catchment abd so should be a bit more flexible. That said, what happens if the boys are late? At my kids school punctuality is a big deal with the most punctual class winning a weekly award. whereas I have been in state special schools where the majority of kids child in on council minibus and we're frequently late. It was marked in the register but nothing was said and the children were not even really aware as nothing was ever said to make being late seem problematic.

My thoughts too whois - I'm waiting for someone who says "that's what we do" but I won't be holding my breath.

littleducks - I'm not sure what happens if they're late, I can only hope they aren't punished. I do know (from a teacher there) that some boys get very stressed if they are 'late', it just doesn't help make them feel like they 'belong', considering the years of exclusions, segregation and isolation that they have already been through to even get a SS placement. Also creates a demarcation between boarders/day that shouldn't be there.

Float, the childcare was in relation to Happy mentioning parents time.

And yes, this is what we do.
Pupils are not allowed into the building before 8:55. There a big chance that there will be no-one in the hall to supervise. We cannot leave them unattended because of their medical needs. We trialled it for half a term, that students could come in but the escorts had to stay.. Several times, the students were left alone whilst escorts/drivers went to get others.

The majority of staff do not have to be in the hall until 9am, and this is what they are contracted and paid for. Staff that are in the building, they are there for meetings etc. Then of course, if we rely on these staff, there won't be enough adult/student ratio.

Then add to this medical staff that we need on site when students are in. There is still a few things that staff are not allowed to do even in an emergency, and not all staff have agreed to administer emergency meds.

The school day starts at 9, but the lessons don't. Everyone meets centrally. By a certain time, leave central area and go to classes for lessons.