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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the school are really daft to book swimming lessons...

78 replies

HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:09

At the very end of the school day meaning the kids get back 30 minutes AFTER school ends. Every week.

Meaning that now, as I don't drive, I have to stand in the playground for at least 30 mins with DD waiting for DS class to return.

It's January, freezing. They don't have anywhere parents can wait indoors.

First week they were 10 mins late back.

DD is tired and cold and wants to go home.

It's ok for drivers who can sit in the car with radio on or even go home for 25 mins if close enough.

But AIBU for thinking it's just daft??

OP posts:
ZogTheOrangeDragon · 16/01/2019 15:11

So are they back 10 mins or 30 mins late?

Yes, it’s annoying when they are late and you are standing in the cold but can you walk round a bit to keep warm?

Butterymuffin · 16/01/2019 15:11

I would push them on making a room available for you to wait indoors. It isn't on to have to stand outside in this weather for half an hour. Do they have a reception area? I would go and sit in that.

GalacticChickenShit · 16/01/2019 15:12

Ask if you can sit in the school reception area until the bus arrives.

Sparklingbrook · 16/01/2019 15:12

That seems a bit bonkers, yes. I assume that was the only available swimming slot, or coach slot.

I don't understand how there's nowhere inside to wait. How mean.

BusySnipingOnCallOfDuty · 16/01/2019 15:12

That would make me seethe. It's completely frustrating when a school trip returns after school pick up time, but if it's every week or every few days, I think it's unreasonable for them to expect parents to hang about when there's nowhere to wait.

Kpo58 · 16/01/2019 15:13

Can you pick up from the swimming pool instea

Original poster
HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:13

No they are back 30 mins late as standard. Last week they were 10 mins late on their ETA.

So we were outside for 40 mins waiting.

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 16/01/2019 15:13

I assume distance means picking up from the swimming pool isn't an option?

Original poster
HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:14

There is a reception room in office but there is a sign on the door that says unless you have specific business relating to the office them please wait outdoors Hmm

OP posts:
RiverTam · 16/01/2019 15:15

that's crazy and must be an absolute pain for everyone with more than one child at the school.

However, instead of MNing about it why haven't you spoken to the school?

ZogTheOrangeDragon · 16/01/2019 15:15

Is there anywhere nearby you can go for 30 mins to stay warm and dry? Otherwise I agree that they should be providing somewhere indoors for you to wait.

Spunkymonkey2019 · 16/01/2019 15:16

Have you asked to wait inside for example in reception?

Sparklingbrook · 16/01/2019 15:17

they couldn't let you wait in a classroom?

Original poster
HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:17

I can't collect him from swimming directly.
A) they don't allow it
B) I have to be here to pick DD up
C) it's ages away on foot so would take me twice as long in the cold anyway

I know it's first World problems really but it's bloody freezing

OP posts:
Butterymuffin · 16/01/2019 15:17

Ignore that. Just go in and wait. Or go in / ring the bell and say you have a question for the office. Ask 'are they back from swimming yet'?' Then when you're told no, say 'OK, I'll wait here with DD as she's very cold outside'.

Seniorschoolmum · 16/01/2019 15:17

It means they aren’t travelling in school hours and so get more time to swim. Good of the teachers to do the extra half hour...

BertrandRussell · 16/01/2019 15:18

“There is a reception room in office but there is a sign on the door that says unless you have specific business relating to the office them please wait outdoors ”

Have you explained the situation and asked whether you and ds can wait inside?

Original poster
HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:18

I asked the office and they said I could put DD in afterschool club. For £6

OP posts:
Original poster
HandDriedRoses · 16/01/2019 15:18

Bert there's loads of families waiting so there wouldn't be room for everyone. It's just a small room with 2 single armchairs

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 16/01/2019 15:18

Ask the Head.

RiverTam · 16/01/2019 15:19

you need to kick up a proper fuss - it's not really about having nowhere to wait, it's the fact that they come back from swimming half an hour after the end of the school day.

TeenTimesTwo · 16/01/2019 15:19

I wouldn't be surprised if that timeslot were cheaper, especially at this time of year.

I would considering doing one of:

  • ask another parent-child combo if you can both sit in their car while you wait
  • ask school to keep your child inside somewhere warm & supervised
  • ask school if both of you can go and sit in the library
  • just go and wait in the reception office area
Sparklingbrook · 16/01/2019 15:19

They don't sound very nice TBH. Are you happy with the school otherwise?

Orchidflower1 · 16/01/2019 15:19

They should offer a discount for dd in after school club or let you wait in a lobby or something. Will this be until feb half term or the whole of the term?

mrsm43s · 16/01/2019 15:21

After school club seems a brilliant idea if you don't want to stand outside with your DD.