To think this isn't acceptable with a reception child

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

A school mum stands at the bottom of the school field and watches her reception child walk along the path up to school. The entrance to reception class is through a small fenced garden where there's a big tree. Both of which obscure the view of the entrance plus the fact that the bottom of the school field is also downhill from school. There's no way she can see her child actually go into class. I see this almost daily. The mum also has two younger children (3yrs and 1yr) who are not with her when I see her do this. Their house is very close to the bottom of the school field (but not inmeadiately adjacent to) so the only reason I can think that she doesn't walk her child up to class is that she's left the other two children alone in the house. I know I could well be wrong on this count but why else would she not walk her reception child up to school?

I know there's not a lot I can do about this but it worries me. Both for the reception child and her younger ones.

Actually the prime targets for child abduction are 12 year old girls

Yeap, well here they are all at risk, unfortunately.

I agree with posters who say it's the possibility the little ones are on their own that's worrying and NOT because of abduction but because of the risk of accidents. The 5year old is probably fine. I would mention in to the school so they can have a chat with her if they are concerned. Don't start interfering and asking the mother questions.

It's a big field between where the mum stands and the reception entrance. And a very open exit/entrance to school that's not manned by any staff is right by the reception area (and is therefore also hidden from the mum's line of sight)

I've no intention of speaking to the mother directly, I just wanted to know if I was reacting to this proportionately. I mentioned it to one other mum the other day and she was horrified. And even more horrified when she realised that the other children weren't with the mum. I don't know what to think now to be honest, it still doesn't sit well with me but the majority here are probably right. The child is fine. I'm just always thinking of 'what ifs'.

WHen I was 4, I walked to/from the bus stop by myself and took the bus.

When did we become so ridiculous about trusting children to walk to school out of sight for a few seconds?!?

It's the end of the school year, he isn't new, and he is getting a tiny piece of independence. I think t is okay

PollyDolly88 - why is she struggling?? She clearly thinks it fine and most people on here are in agreement.

If you are worried then why do you have 'no intention of speaking to the mother directly'? You asked before if you should speak to the school - why would it be better to escalate this and maybe end up with the mother feeling awful because someone has reported her. And I am not sure what the school could do anyway if she needs practical help. Sorry if I have misunderstood but it sounds like you are questioning this woman's actions from a distance but are not prepared to do anything practical - or even just have a casual chat to put your own mind at rest.

Can't see the issue.

I think this is totally fine. We molly-coddle children too much. She's on school grounds, child is heading straight into school - what's the problem?

You also don't have a clue who may or may not be at home with the younger children.

Speak to school and check they're happy with this arrangement
I am shocked this is seen as normal TBH

🙄

purple I have no intention of confronting the mother about this as I wasn't sure if I was overreacting or not. Clearly the majority here think I am being a bit precious despite the fact that many people have said they would not do it with their own children.

I don't want to make her feel bad if general consensus is that she's not doing anything wrong. And as I said before, I don't know for sure that the other children are being left unattended. I suspect they are but I could very well be wrong. As a side note, the grandma took the child to school today, right up to the classroom, with both other children in tow.

I'd speak to the school. There's no way I'd drop my reception age child anywhere other than the school door.

At DC's school the policy is that they can't walk on their own until they're in year 5

Oak, if you're worried don't let anyone else tell you you shouldn't be. If you'd feel happier talking to the school staff, do so. It's great for kids to gain independence but at 4/5, no need plus coupled with a baby and toddler being left alone, it sounds like someone needs to be looking out for these children.

My secondary school would ring me if my dcs hadn't turned up by half nine and I'd not rung in sick for them. That's aged eleven and upwards. Caring doesn't stop.

I've emailed the school to ask what their policy is on this. I haven't mentioned why I'm asking.

OP, not Oak.