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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to send ds to a school 1.2 miles away on foot

45 replies

WeCameToDance · 18/05/2019 15:16

My ds's current nursery is attached to a school that I always thought I would send him to. It is 0.6 miles away and we walk it as neither me or dh drive. However, it has come to my attention that the school are struggling with him and I am worried he is going to become harmed due to the schools lack of supervision. It has not come as much of a surprise as they were skeptical of taking him due to suspected sen and it took a fight to get him in there.
Anyway, there is another school in the area that is 1.2 miles away. It is well known in the area for being brilliant in it's provisions for children with additional needs and I'm really considering moving him there. I'm just concerned about the distance on foot. Does anyone walk that far to school? How do your children manage? I will also be pushing a 1 year old in a stroller. Is this doable? I feel like I have to make it work! I can't spent the next decade arguing with the school.

OP posts:
gingajewel · 18/05/2019 15:19

It wouldn’t bother me but will you get into the school so far away from the catchment area?

eddiemairswife · 18/05/2019 15:25

That's a reasonable distance. Has he got a scooter that he can be trusted to ride safely on? Or I believe you can get a buggy board to attach to the push-chair, so that he could stand on that.
You''ll probably get loads of replies from people whose children walked 5 miles to school each day from the age of 3.

Hiphopopotamous · 18/05/2019 15:26

He could go on a scooter and you can transport it back on the buggy?

PristineCondition · 18/05/2019 15:26

I do 1.6 with my 8 year old. Bike/scooter is a godsend

outvoid · 18/05/2019 15:26

My DC’s have always been in a school 1.4 miles away. We walk it sometimes when the weather is nice and it’s fine. Had no choice but to walk it when they first started because I couldn’t afford a car at the time.

It’s a manageable distance, takes around half an hour. I’d do it if you think the school is better.

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 18/05/2019 15:27

I'd walk that far myself but a small child tired after reception might struggle.

Does the criteria suggest you will get a place being so far away?

UnicornBrexit · 18/05/2019 15:27

That's no distance at all, bit grim on a wet day, but he'll soon build up to the walk

Tigerbandage · 18/05/2019 15:29

I lived 1.2 miles from my children’s primary we walked no problem most days, even when my dd was 3 she managed to walk up and down to nursery, with a bit of carrying
The only problem is the weather, if it’s really hard rain or blistering sun is there a bus you could catch?
It wouldn’t bother me and we walked 90% of the time but I can drive so it was always an option

FannyFeatures · 18/05/2019 15:31

Our catchment school is 1.2 miles away, we walk there and back every day and DD's nursery was an extra 0.5 miles away but we managed fine.

It's crap in winter and we need to leave plenty of time incase she's dawdling (30 minutes but usually takes 15-20) but it's not an issue otherwise.

NannyR · 18/05/2019 15:31

I walk to a school a mile away with a 5, 3 and 1 year old. The older ones either walk, scoot or ride bikes. Three days a week, the 3 yr old does the trip there and back twice, so four miles. Once they are used to it, it's fine.

Original poster
WeCameToDance · 18/05/2019 15:35

I can't trust him on a scooter at the minute. Most of the walk is down a main road and he is a bolter. I know some people don't agree with them but I have to take him on the reigns as it is.
As for getting him in it would be a transfer to the school nursery. After that they give priority to children in the catchment area but will take from outside too. However, if sen is involved and I hope he would be diagnosed by then, they will take them. They take children with sen from across the county as they have the relevant facilities.

OP posts:
MrsPear · 18/05/2019 15:36

We walk all the time. I’m not a car driver. Walk to school is 1.5 miles closest we could find to rent. 1/2 an hour stroll. The only thing I would suggest is waterproof trousers and wellies as well as making sure you are wearing proper coats rather than fashion ones. If you are dressed properly then it is nothing! I have been on school trips and the kids that are ferried everywhere are a nightmare and whine constantly!

Yabbers · 18/05/2019 15:37

If he has SEN and can’t go to catchment school, the LA should provide transport for him.

MrsPear · 18/05/2019 15:37

Oh and look at a proper map for footpaths - we use one through the woods. I suspect that cuts a bit of the length in reality! Plus it makes for a far nicer walk than the main road and it even has a proper footpath.

thesnapandfartisinfallible · 18/05/2019 15:40

It's doable. Take about half hour or 45 mins. Is there a bus for if the weather is foul?

LittleOwl153 · 18/05/2019 15:40

If they are taking him for SEN reasons he might get transport. Worth looking into when he gets his diagnosis if the 'statement' (not called that now I don't think) names the school or the local school rejects him.

likeafishneedsabike · 18/05/2019 15:41

We did a mile each way for three years. When we started DS1 was in reception and DS2 was toddler. It was no problem.
In your case the buggy will be helpful because you can chuck the book bag, PE kit underneath.
Mine used to walk there and scoot home (uphill on the way there but downhill on the way home thankfully!)

likeafishneedsabike · 18/05/2019 15:43

Yeah @mrspears has a good point that a substantial school run walk gives them a bit of stamina. Unless whinging on days etc.

likeafishneedsabike · 18/05/2019 15:44

*less whinging

AlexaShutUp · 18/05/2019 15:46

I used to walk a mile to playgroup when I was a toddler. It wasn't a big deal at all. We walked everywhere as children because my dad was at work and my mum didn't drive.

1.2 miles is fine for a primary school child and will help keep him fit and healthy. We have lost sight of what's a reasonable walking distance, I think.

Original poster
WeCameToDance · 18/05/2019 15:46

Map for footpaths is a good idea. I live next to a field with a footpath but have never thought to check where it leads!
It seems a lot of people have done it and it was fine. I'm hoping he would get used to it and that it could even turn out to be good for him. I was driven everywhere as a child and used to whinge constantly when I had to walk anywhere.
While there are buses it's one of those journeys where one of the bus stops is at the halfway point and the other means going in the opposite direction to get there.

OP posts:
Oysterbabe · 18/05/2019 15:47

I don't think that's very far but what about when it's pelting it down with rain and high winds?

lyralalala · 18/05/2019 15:53

The transport angle is one for checking. Many children who don't go to their local school for sen reasons get transport to their school.

Would the walk fit in for you and your younger child four times a day? That can be the bit that long school walks become a pain in. The child only does it twice a day, you have to do double.

NaughtToThreeSadOnions · 18/05/2019 16:01

I've known children walk further.

Would he ride a buggy board?? Sell it to him.that its fun and he doesn't have to use his legs. That way he won't bolt because hes safely between your arms. (I'm asking wether he'd ride one because some children would find it clostraphobic) that may well be a solution even up until reception or year one

eurochick · 18/05/2019 16:01

You'll have the buggy anywhere so you can push him in a buggy board some of the way.