To keep DS off school today

[Mrsknackered]

He's got a bit of a cold, but he went in yesterday and last week.
We haven't had a car since Christmas which means he has to do a 2 mile walk to school. He copes well with this but we have to leave at 7.55am to ensure we get there in time.
We got absolutely drenched yesterday and DS2 is poorly (chest infection) so I felt quite bad! The weather forecast as the moment is heavy rain and at 8am its heavy snow. I know IBU but please someone tell me it's against the law to drag children out in this weather and at 1 degree he's in reception. If that makes any difference!!!

[SuburbanRhonda]

If your journey tips over 2 miles ask about school transport in England they have to provide if over that for primary

Only if there is no place at a nearer school.

[RB68]

Whilst he is not in the greatest health I think that it is OK BUT in terms of weather really its about the right clothes - something warm underneath uniform ie vest (old fashioned but it works) Wellies with good thick socks and a waterproof coat and if he wants an umbrella. You also need decent gloves and a hat with ear covers. Make sure you have a rain cover for the little one as well. If your journey tips over 2 miles ask about school transport in England they have to provide if over that for primary

[AJPTaylor]

Keep him off. Seems reasonable to me

[thegreylady]

I hope you kept the poor little chap home in the warm. I wouldn’t hesitate. I would also consider bicycles for you ( with child seat for ds2) and for ds1 as soon as he is able to ride.

[Ginmummy1]

One day is one day. However, you can’t keep him off every time one of you has a cold, or the weather is bad. He will end up with very poor attendance very quickly!

What are your longer term plans for getting him to school? Can you move him to a school more local to you? Is there a bus that can get you part of the way? Can you pay someone to take him? Are you going to get your own car? Is your DP away a lot, or is he often able to take him so this would only be an occasional issue?

[SuburbanRhonda]

Fair enough.

I assumed the fact the OP said they were planning to move nearer to the school until the move fell through meant it wasn’t the nearest school.

[BashStreetKid]

That's why I used the word "If", Suburban.

[SuburbanRhonda]

If you're more than 2 miles away and it's the nearest suitable school, your son is entitled to school transport from the council.

The OP didn’t say it was the nearest school.

[BashStreetKid]

If you're more than 2 miles away and it's the nearest suitable school, your son is entitled to school transport from the council.

[Mrsknackered]

Suburban we were meant to move 2 months into him being at the school, however it all fell through and we won't be moving until March 2019 now.

None of the children near to us attend the same school, so no chance of lifts. But like I said usually DP can usually drop him to breakfast club en route work, but he's away for a few days so we haven't got that option today.

[CheapSausagesAndSpam]

I used to have this issue when we lived in the UK...we were 4 miles from school...no walking paths and that meant a bus trip. Trouble was, the bus stop was a mile away and often late...then another mile walk at the other end.

Once we got stuck for ages waiting for the bus in the snow and ice and it was AWFUL/

I kept them off the next day as both felt low.

Now I'm in OZ and we sometimes have a day off if its over 40.

[Spartaca]

I wouldn't think twice tbh.

[SuburbanRhonda]

Agree that you need a better arrangement for getting your DC to school if the 2-mile journey is a deciding factor.

Were there no schools nearer when you applied or have you moved?

[Chugalug]

Poor mite x..ofcourse keep him off

[user789653241]

If he is already unwell, I would definitely keep him off school rather than let him walk 2 miles in cold weather.

[Mrsknackered]

clarrylove DP also has a car, but he's away working so can't drop him

[clarrylove]

Have you got any plans to solve your transport problems? Could he get a lift with another child? Or scoot? It seems to me that the distance is more of the problem. Let's face, he could have a bit of a cold for quite some time. We've still got a lot of winter to come. 😐

[BrutusMcDogface]

I'm assuming it's ds1 who is in reception, and ds2 who has a chest infection?

Either way, keep them both at home in the warm. You certainly shouldn't be sending a child with a chest infection into school, but assuming as I said that it's his brother, I would still keep them at home!

[Chocolatecake12]

I have a poorly ds too and he won’t be going to school today. He went in yesterday and to be honest that was a mistake. I should have kept him home.

[TheSassyAssassin]

DD was home yesterday owing to cold and sleepless nights. Back in today. But the odd duvet day imho when needed is absolutely fine. If DS is yet to turn 5yrs old there's no legal obligation for him to attend anyway! Hope you all feel better soon

[LeonoraFlorence]

I am a teacher and honestly, don't feel guilty. I would do the same.

[wtffgs]

By keeping off for one day, you may avoid a longer absence. It sounds like he's quite likely to pick something up at school. Reception children are lurgy-reservoirs!

I'm all for teaching kids resilience etc but I also believe in teaching them self-care. Have a nice day

[LeonoraFlorence]

Keep him at home definitely.

[GreenSeededGrape]

Keep him home. My dd1 is not 100% but we went to Australia for Christmas so she has had too much time off and I've sent her in.

But if she had a chest infection instead of runny nose and feeling a bit crap I'd definitely keep off.