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.

Ugh, I had this at work once. I would be the first to arrive 95% of the time, would unlock and sort out alarms and everyone would walk in later.

But the boss hated that I got the 5.37 train, and would often ask for "one more thing" as I left at 5.30. The following trains were always significantly delayed and that "one more thing" made a 30m difference to me getting home.

She shouldn't just be there at 7.45 either - I'd bet that she needs to be there at 7.30.

As part of your travel plans, you might want to check the taxi situation, since it's your backup. In our area, you absolutely cannot get a last-minute taxi during the school run. I hope everything works out!

I hear you but the margins for error are too tight and will mean you will be in a continued state of stress, buses also come early.

Apply for the job. If you’ve get it, there will be a solution. If you’ve don’t then the problem goes away. Give it a go - and good luck!

Indeed but I wonder whether she is relying on public transport, as is OP?

Most people like OP and me who rely on public transport are much more likely to be early than consitently late - as your aware you have less control and build in 20-30 minutes fuck up/late time and you quickly realise most people don't take buses/trains being late as a reaonable excuse for more than a one off event.

Worst offender IME for being consistent and unapologetically late are nearby walkers - seem to be oh it's not far I'll walk fast/won't be that late mentality.

I don't think it would be unreasonable to raise this as an issue with the school - as you are paying for the time - and have back up plan of local child minder who could have child for short space of time in the morning if neccesary.

I had this exact issue before with a nursery. I explained that I needed to leave exactly on time or I’d miss the only bus that would get me there on time. It improved but not reliably so. I’d suggest if you know any of the other parents that also are waiting with their children maybe explain the situation to them and ask if they’d be ok on days that it opens late to let your child wait with them.

Well I'd definitely apply for the job

And then look into childminding options

Our taxis are good. There's three different companies, two have school run contracts, one doesn't as it's the more expensive one, so I'd be fine calling them, especially as it would be around 8am so just before the school really goes mad, and would give me an hour to get in.
It's a very expensive back-up (probably cost me £20+ to get to work) but it's an emergency back up

In our area, you absolutely cannot get a last-minute taxi during the school run. I hope everything works out!

You used to be able to get last minute taxi here at early school run and evening times - that's changed in last few years - it's impossible.

It meant we had to insist there was at least another bus between one DS meant to catch and A-level exam time starts wereas it was less necessary two year before that for DD1.

It would be cutting fine. I found I couldn’t rely on the breakfast club at my dc school. One day they cancelled on the day. Due to staff sickness. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a stand in. Then when the member of staff left they cancelled it for half a term. I ended up using a childminder which was further for me to drive but reliable. Maybe I just had a bad experience. The job you are applying for maybe flexible in start times. I have found this once I have been for an interview.

Cancelling on the day would be a nightmare. I'd have to walk her round to my mum's, who lives round the corner, and then probably have to beg my mum for a lift to work.
Or get my DH to leave work and then drive me in, but he could be working any where in the whole county on any given day.

Email the headteacher with this predicament. Explain that you are applying for a job but you don’t want to accept it until you are guaranteed the EMC will be opening on time each morning. The headteacher will likely get back to you in the next few days despite it being the summer hols. The headteacher may not be aware that it is opening later than advertised. At my child’s school, they ensure that either the head or deputy are on site at the start of emc in order to ensure that they have appropriate numbers of staff on site. They don’t run the club but are just on site. It may be that the same happens at your child’s school so they could supervise for the first five minutes.

You need a childminder. They tend to be more reliable and more flexible.

id highly recommend one over a school club like the one you describe.

Definitely apply for the job.

Do you think there might be any wiggle room that end, with the job, or is there a specific reason it has to start at 9am (eg retail) ?
Sometimes once you have a post & they want you, you find there are slight accomodations that can be made to support you especially with childcare which is notoriously difficult.

Definitely speak to the school too but if the job is accommodating by a few minutes too you might be fine either way.

Good luck with getting the post!

Two issues here - why is she always late opening? If a bank opens at 9am, that’s when it opens. They don’t open at 9:20 every day! Second issue - why is this woman alone? Surely in terms of safeguarding, there should always be more than one member of staff around. Worrying.

Just apply for it otherwise you’re over thinking this for nothing and risk loosing out on something that could be good for you. At least if you apply you stand a chance even if you later decide you don’t want the job. I’d apply and go from there.

This persistent lateness is unacceptable. A bad example to the children for starters. Look also at the parents most likely to have to be at a place of work at a set time, and who therefore is most affected.

Do any neighbours have a sensible 14+ daughter/son who for a small ££ would walk with them and stay until open? I used to do this when one son had to be collected from Cubs but the younger one had gone to bed.

I think it might be easier to ask another parent ,i wouldn't have minded when my son was at primary school watching another child for a few minutes

Thanks for advice

TBH accommodations don't really help in this situation. The buses are an hour apart.

Coming in an hour earlier wouldn't work at all with childcare. Coming in and hour late wouldn't work with childcare either and would mean finishing later and barely seeing my kids at all.
Basically, this bus is my only option, with taxis as emergency back ups

Apply for the job.

I leave my DC for a few mins before breakfast club.

Could your DM help if she's 'around the corner?'

I've applied :)

I also applied for another one, in the same place :) 🍀

And no, not really. She's retired, and she doesn't get up early. I really can't ask her to commit to having my DD before school every morning, taking her into school. She already helps out with a regular pick-up once a week, drives my DS to one of his clubs, and helps with any pick-up emergencies, along with MIL. I really can't ask for any more.

Ah, sorry hadn't realised the buses are only hourly.
Are there any mum friends who might help out? I had a similar issue at one point and shared my issue across a couple of friends who I then helped out with babysitting etc.

And remember these things are temporary, once your child is older it all becomes easier. And time soon whizzes by too.
Hope you get the job you want!

YANBU, OP. I was in this situation myself for a while and it drove me nuts. Kid was too small to leave waiting (have to sign them in anyway) and didn't have other parents I knew there at that time.