Having a bit of a disagreement with the school. AIBU

[Blueystolemyinsanity]

in our school half way through year 5 and 6 it’s actively encouraged that we allow the children to gain some independence in walking home from school - I have no issue with this and it I want My daughter to feel confident by the time she gets to secondary school.
I would not say I was an over anxious parent as in my children have always been able to do things everyone else does.
the school is situated on a road and the gate leads directly to a zebras crossing, it’s a fairly busy road but speed limit is less than 35.
2 years ago they introduced school coats with logo but they are very dark blue and once the clocks change it will be dark when DD leaves school. I want her to be able to wear a brighter colour winter coat

AIBU ? Or have I some how shifted in to a lunatic anxious mum 🤣🙈

Would she wear these on her school bag and coat zips?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHENKEE-Reflector-Pendant-Reflective-Keyring/dp/B09FL3YJBW/ref=asc_df_B09FL3YJBW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=586256401111&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1223053897139065210&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9181024&hvtargid=pla-1636058387744&psc=1

I'm with you on this

Gets dusky at that time here and easy not to see a kid, is that not the point? Sometimes here it can be foggy and getting dark at that time, dark in mornings too until back of 8.

Nobody should ever be buying kids dark coloured coats.
I wish it was compulsory for all road users -including pedestrians on paths - to wear hi vis and reflective clothing. It's just basic common sense!

Schools these days are really overreaching. My mother took me to school each day (and picked me up) until end year 6. The following year I walked to school on my own. No need to learn the independence, it came naturally.

Your child, your decision.

It is in Scotland! We go to school in the dark & come home in the dark in winter. Yet again people who can't see any situation that's not their own.

And as OP says, clubs often finish at 4pm.

As loads have said- armband/ vest/ flashing strips on bag.

Many state schools here have a school jacket (waterproof & warm) in school colours. They're very reasonable (£25) and many choose to buy these, although they're not compulsory. DS's school also sells a school bag- again v reasonable (£10). Both have reflective strips across them. Sensible.

Hi, no it’s a catholic state school, there is a lot of schools in the area with designated coats.

I’d be making the safety point and putting her in a bright coat.

schools should not be encouraging dark coats on children who walk to or from school. It’s basic safety.

https://amzn.eu/d/1BvK7Fg

Given that the vast majority of primary schools don't include a coat in their uniform, clearly wearing a school uniform coat to go home isn't essential. What possible reason could outweigh a child's safety?

Dc's primary issued them all with fluorescent vests during road safety week. Think it was a council initiative? Worth checking if there's a similar scheme in your area.

Or a fluoro bobble hat?!

I would put her in a different coat during winter months on the days she will walk home alone. Unless they are happy to make all kids wear reflective vests. As unless it’s a blanket thing. Very unlikely a kid will want to be the only one wearing one!! I’d write a letter to that effect to the head and governors. If they tried to give her detention or anything I would not allow it.

Personally I think uniform is totally pointless but that's a whole other thread!

I agree, dark coat rules are ridiculous!

https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article17056282.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_road.jpg

This photo really illustrates the difference a coat can make to visibility.

Absolutely! Always obey rules even if it means your child gets knocked over….!

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms

• ensure that their uniform is suitable and safe for pupils who walk or cycle to school, for instance, by allowing pupils to wear a coat which they could be visible in when it is dark going home

well the government agrees with you in their updated guidance

It is dark in some places, depends how far north they are. Plus some primary schools don't finish until 3.30pm, again, they differ, I know some that finish at 2pm, some 3.30pm, it really depends on the school and location.

Maybe show school this image:
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/parenting/photo-striking-fear-parents-shows-17056236
Then ask if they would like to do something before or after a child is hit.

Have a look at gear for cycling commuters.
Florescent cover for rucksack. Added benefit of being waterproof but v obvious.
Cyclist often hang a flashing light off the back of a rucksack too. Like a higher brake light. Usually red but again will stand out. My kids happily use those.

I do pick up if they finish after 5 though. Long day and not a lot of people around so even if I haven't logged off j can pop out and pick them up quickly.
They have a compulsory school coat but it has reflective bands built in. As does the school bag but they are far too subtle for my taste.

This is what you really want. Grey in the daylight, glow in the dark otherwise. Sadly no kids range but someone must do it.

provizsports.com/products/reflect360-mens-cycling-jacket?country=GB

Just get a reflective armband and accessory/ strap for her bag. You don't have to ask for a whole change to the uniform policy for this reason.

I live in the city and never see them! That explains it

Y

A coat isn't a uniform. A coat is worn to keep you warm outside.... can be taken of inside to reveal uniform.