Long school run

[Flowerfrenzy]

DS is severely dyslexic and isn’t getting the support he needs in his current mainstream school. I’ve found a fantastic school that will meet his needs but it’s 40 miles away (just over an hour by car).

AIBU sending an 11 year old to a school which is so far away from home?

Does anyone else have a child with such a long school journey and feel it is or isn’t worth it?

(Moving closer to the school isn’t an option).

At that age I had a 90-minute journey to (perfectly ordinary, state) secondary school. I would’ve started st age 11.

It took a couple weeks to get used to (it felt like a long day at first). But it just became normal very quickly.

If it’s the best school for your DS, then go for it.

I would send him but only if I was driving myself. As PP said using the time for reading, chatting general bonding. I wouldn't however send my child in a taxi for that long.

I work in specialist education and we have many students on the education transport of 1hr plus daily and they are fine.
I also went to an independent school and travelled 50 minutes by school bus daily and It wasn't bad, the time used to fly by.

I just personally wouldn't with my boys.

You could check if the school has a school bus that would take your child part of the way and then that would make your driving part shorter.

I think it would depend on how severe the problem was for me versus how little progress was being made at the current school vs how settled and happy dc is with friends etc.

I can understand you considering it though.

Assuming the current school is failing him and there aren't suitable schools as you mention, and it is an hour and not 90mins when there's traffic I'd go for it.

I travelled for over an hour to my school, it was tiring but ok.

He only gets one shot at these years.
I would definitely send him.

I would only send him if I was driving him myself, other comments have suggested this is valuable time for being with the child who needs help

Would he get it funded so he could get a taxi to school? If not could you manage the 40 miles journey each way twice a day? Personally I don’t think I’d manage that but I can totally sympathise. My two have additional needs and it’s hard when they aren’t getting the right support.

Just remembered I used to catch a very slow bus that went all round the villages and took about an hour. I was soon used to it and didn't mind the journey but did have friends on the bus. Would your DS listen to music or a podcast. That would pass the time.