to not let five-year-old child go on school trip into central London

[Blueflowers2011]

as title says, Year 1 (age 5 mostly) are going on a trip into London, which consists of 30 children and supervising adults travelling on 1 rail train, interchange to 1 underground tube train then a 20 min walk when they get to the other side to visit a shop.

A couple of parents are now saying they are not allowing their child to go which is also confirming my thoughts initially, which btw is mostly due to anything happening in London in general.

I have worked in London all my life and it's bad enough travelling on the tube everyday as an adult, let alone a 5 yr old child. Many parents also feel it's an unneccassary trip at this age just to visit a shop and how it works.

I encourage most things and experiences for my children but just feel this one is a bit too much for a 5 yr old. Am I worrying too much or should I just let them go?

My 5 year old loves London, loves the tube and can easily spend a day marching about, no reason not to go at all.

I think 5 year olds would love this. You are allowing your unfounded fears to take over. You need to get a grip.

I bet it's Lush. They are great with school groups.

If the teacher gets school party tickets from TfL, the stations are informed and have extra staff on hand, including one actually on the platform to help. School parties are not allowed to travel during rush hour. Also, the ratios required for trips are higher than just being in the classroom. Are they asking for parent volunteers?

I would let him go.

Or her!

YABU I'd hate to live or work there, but London has some fabulous stuff that all kids should see. I have taken DD there quite a bit, as has her other parent. Have also taken Nieces since they were tiny despite being a 2 hour train ride away.

I have a 6yo and would worry about him being left behind on the tube but would let him go anyway.

Ds is 4.5 and we travel into and around London fairly regularly on the train and tube so that aspect wouldn't bother me at all. However it seems like quite a tiring trip for 5 year olds, I'm always exhausted if I've spent a good chunk of my day travelling but this would be the only thing holding me back. I'd probably let him go and just make sure he was early to bed.

i can understand, it's all very well to think random rare acts of terror are the price we pay for free movement etc but tbh i'd volunteer to be a parent helper, and probably take a self defense course beforehand now that I don't live in london and have gotten used to a quiet life! You know you have to get a grip, don't you?

I wouldn't stop my child going on account of terrorism worries but would if I thought the trip was pointless -DS didn't go on a nursery trip for a picnic in st James park for this reason.

DS didn't go on a nursery trip for a picnic in st James park for this reason.. That's a shame. Your idea of pointless may have been your little ones idea of fun.

Think I'm more horrified that one poster thinks 20 minutes walk could be a bit far for healthy 5 year olds!!!!

You seriously think there's a chance that the teachers would leave one of the kids behind on the tube, ThomasRichard???

A pointless picnic...

Let them go. They'll be fine and the school will have risk assessed.

And a 20 minute walk should be nothing for a healthy 5 year old.

My dd is 5, yr 1 and has been on one school trip in reception class (which i was asked to help on as i had done a day a week helping in their class). We live very very rural. I would hate the idea of my dd and her class going to London and the underground at 5/6! It's too young and the supervision must need to be immense! X

When I'm not thrilled with a particular field trip I try to organize the time off to join in as a volunteer. I pulled my 5 yr old from a nursery outing as I wasn't comfortable with the staffing ratio or select activity. I get you OP - busy public places, young kids, yr1 distractibility and low staffing ratios are a fair worry IMO. Parents have to do what they think is best.

Kids who live anywhere near London need to learn how to use the Tube, surely? Essential part of growing up. It sounds great fun! Those of us outside the metropolis always have boring coaches for school trips, or walk.

Did the OP say it was terrorism she was afraid of?

For me, terrorism would not be that likely a thought/worry.

Far more likely would be that one of the kids could get lost/left behind/separated from the group. Very easily. I guess it would depend on the tube line and how packed it usually gets and what time the children would be travelling.

That said, I don't think this is a hugely necessary or educational trip. If you feel he'll miss out, you could take him on the tube etc yourself in the next month or two so he gets the experience but under your eye. I would share your fears.

I am sure they are very well practiced at this kind of trip though. Maybe you should have a chat with the teacher about how they manage the children on the journey (hi vis vests etc) to put your mind at rest if you choose to let your DS go.

What exactly is your concern? That she'll get lost? Terrorism? Something else?

What are your concerns, specifically?

Snork 5 year olds don't need to know how to use the tube!

FloggingMolly not really but going on the tube with the doors beeping before snapping shut is the worst part of travelling in London for me. I'm a real grownup, honest.

YABU

Would you feel better if you went with them? there might still be space for a parent-helper