To think that if a school early morning club says 7:45 start, that 7:50 is not acceptable?

[orangesandlemonssaythebellsofstclements]

I desperately need a job. I mean, I really really need to take what I can.

I have found one that's perfect for me, which is great, because I've been applying for any old crap tbh, so I'm excited to see something that I actually want to do and can do.

I can't drive, I'm not going into it, but learning to drive isn't an option for me.
This is fine because before I apply for any job I check that public transport routes work for me.

The job I want starts at 9am, but it's in the next town over. There is a bus that stops directly opposite my DD's school that will get me to work for 8:40, so even leaves time if the bus is late.
However, because it's in the next town over, this is the ONLY bus available to get to work as there is only one an hour (back-up plan on rare days bus is cancelled is a taxi but this can't be a regular long term plan due to cost)

This bus leaves at 7:52. Early morning club at my daughter's school starts at 7:45.

I have, on a few sporadic occasions, used this early morning club, and my experience has been that the lady who runs it will often amble casually over to the gates at 7:48, 7:50 or even something like 7:53 and start letting children in.

I absolutely need to be saying goodbye to my daughter and walking away at 7:45 (and yes, I am paying from 7:45) so that I've got enough time to cross the road and get the bus, and allow for the bus to show up a couple of minutes early.

Is it unreasonable to say to the school that I absolutely need to drop her off when it's supposed to open at 7:45 and I can't wait any longer?

The unreliability is making me question whether or not it's worth applying for the job as I may not be able to get there, nor handle the frustration of seeing my bus drive past while this woman gets her act together.

I'm just worried about coming across as petty because I don't think people that rely on public transport really appreciate how important being exactly on time is, and that two minutes does make a difference.

Bus timetables do indeed change, which is irritating, but our buses do tend to give us about a months notice, with signs on the buses and on the app, so I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I managed a before/afterschool club for 22 years and just can’t believe this!
clubs are regulated by Ofsted and the opening and closing times are part of the contract you sign and Ofsted have in their records.
My first port of call would be the head teacher but failing this I would contact Ofsted.A club can’t be run on that basis.

I've allowed for buses being late as this bus is scheduled to get me to work for 8:31 (I thought it was 8:40, but I've just checked and it's actually 8:31) so if it's late, I should be fine.

Yes, I know, that's the whole point. I'm trying to decide if it's worth applying if I can't get there.

I absolutely do not want to apply, get the job, and end up being late in my first week because I don't have a reliable travel plan.

I would be looking at a childminder but also if the bus stop is directly opposite can you stand on it and see your DD waiting? That way if does open a couple of minutes late you are still at the bus stop on time?

I would definitely politely raise this with the school. 7:45 start should absolutely be a 7:45 start if you’re paying. It’s definitely not unreasonable to raise it nicely but with an expectation that it does open on time (as it should). I would explain that if the school can’t reliably open it on time, then you need to know as you will need to make alternative arrangements. I’d suggest email to get confirmation of this - not because you’re trying to catch anyone out but because committing things to writing does tend to make people think more carefully about things.

That is crap Op. If it's a 7.45am start, I would expect the supervisors to be there earlier to set up and be ready to open the doors at 7.45am just the same as you would expect at the start of the school day.

Definitely apply! And speak to the head teacher for sure too. I think the previous suggestion of befriending another parent who drops is a good one still as a back up plan (even if you get a childminder...they might be ill etc) , so you could dash out if needed and your DC would still be accompanied by an adult as per the school's regulations.

Voted YANBU to speak to the school.

School is not childcare, but early morning club absolutely is childcare, which is a paid for service.

I've not read the whole thread though I see someone has suggested asking another parent to help with this on the days when there is late opening. Assuming you are guaranteed to be there for pick up time and maybe they have times when they are running late you could return the favour? I was also going to suggest this. I see you have said that you have not yet been able to ascertain if this will work for the upcoming school year. In your position I would have the interview but say that I have a pre-booked holiday so the start date would have to be a week or two later than the advertised start. If you get offered the job then this would give you a bit of leeway to see how things pan out at the school, read the riot act to the staff, check out the possibility of other parents being able to help, etc.

Well of course it's worth applying, if that's the perfect job for you right now. Stop throwing all sorts of obstacles in the way. Apply for the job, see if you get an interview, then perhaps approach the school about b.c.opening times. *it's funny how, all through school we're told how important timekeeping and punctuality are!

And good luck!

Please don't do this no matter how sensible she is it just isn't worth the risk.

Could you cycle? Might be less stressful?

having said that YANBU the club should be open at 745. You might find there is still a queue to sign children in though!

I'll be honest, I have a bit of a hang up about all this - when I was 18, I got sacked from one of my first jobs, within a month, for consistently being late due to late buses. It was 20 years ago, but I remember the boss saying to me sternly as I sat there crying "let this be a lesson to you - you're not a school girl any more, I missed the bus is not an acceptable excuse". She couldn't have made me feel any less of a silly school girl if she tried 😂
And I've never forgotten it 😂So now I make sure my travel plans are iron clad before I even bother. That's why I am trying to make a firm plan now before applying. That will never happen to me again 😂

I've considered it, and I do cycle now and then, it's not alien to me, but unfortunately it does involve a big, busy duel carriageway at rush hour and the truth is I am just not a confident enough cyclist to manage it

PP is right though, I could actually still see her from the bus stop, and the staff would also see me, I could wave to them! If they ask where mum is, she could be trained to say "at the bus stop!" from where I could wave back!

I’m able to cycle and hate this idea. Sounds bloody awful seeing as we are coming to the cold and wet part of the year.

It's also illegal to ride them anywhere but private land.

I know some areas like London have deals with the council or something, but there's nothing like that round here and local police have recently been saying all over social media that they are cracking down on their use.

Maybe you could put a message on a school social media group (if there is one) asking if one or two parents could be ready to watch your child for 5 minutes if the club opens late. But it shouldn't! The doors should be open at the time stated.

Ok -I'm going to apply now. Thank you so much for all advice

@orangesandlemonssaythebellsofstclements it's electric scooters that are illegal to ride anywhere but private land unless via a hire service agreed with a local council that includes an insurance premium in the hire cost. Electric bikes are legal on the roads, with different restrictions that make the more powerful ones categorised as a motorbike that you need a licence to ride, but the least powerful ones can be legally ridden by anyone. (not that this is remotely relevant to your dilemma as I know you wouldn't want one anyway)

I would see nothing wrong with asking the school if a prompt 7.45 start is going to be possible so you can apply for this job with confidence. I agree with emphasising that your employment will depend on this. No need to wait until you get the job. The issue is affecting your employability now.

It’s the school’s management problem. They need to pay the woman running it to come in at 7.30 and open up, prepare and be at the door at 7.45am sharp.

Do you have a Parent Forum/representative who could raise the point?

Yes it should be functioning at 7.45am sharp but in reality you can’t make it happen so childminder is the way forward

Agree - anyone working in customer service (retail etc) knows that if a service begins at 8am, that doesn't mean your shift starts at 8am! Your shift starts earlier so you can be ready to start right at 8.