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.

This happens all the time at our school. With no exaggeration, at least 3-5 days across a term. It’s run by a school employee who has another role and if they are sick, have an appt, or any of their children are sick so they can’t come in (all three attend the school) then breakfast club is cancelled with about an hours notice.

The after school club is the same. That’s run by a school employee also, a different one, and the cancellations aren’t as regular but they do happen a couple of times a term.

Head is well aware, says there’s nothing that can be done they don’t have anyone else to run them so ‘shrug’.

I am very fortunate not to have to use it myself but it’s a nightmare for some of our parents. It’s been raised to the governors, who accept the Heads ‘shrug’ and nothing is ever done.

I had this with dds’ school. I had to go straight to work after dropping off (used flexi for this so would stay late). School started at 8.45 and they’d open the doors at gone ten to.

I complained and mercifully they started to let the kids in on time.

Why? She should be starting on time regardless?

Would your mum do it for the first week back in September to help you settle into the new job and remove any drop off stress while you get used to your journey?

Glad you applied. Take this one step at a time.

Get the job.

Take the job.

Start your DD at the breakfast club.

If they open late, and you miss/might miss the bus, use a taxi/leave your DD with another parent, THEN speak to the Head.

Maybe when she starts you could also mention to the leader that you’re cutting it fine for the bus. If she realises that it might make her more punctual 🤞.

@orangesandlemonssaythebellsofstclementselectric bikes aren’t illegal and you absolutely can ride them on the roads as long as they are the right type - info here.

https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

Yeah definitely apply and I would arrange a taxi from the school for the first week.

Then if ESC isn't opening in time speak to the woman in charge initially and that might solve your issue.

Best of luck with getting the job.

The things is schools are under no obligation to run these clubs and they are incredibly difficult to staff. When our breakfast club lady is sick, I can't help because I'm taking my own children to their own wrap around care, as are most of my colleagues. Generally something can be sorted but the head cannot magic up staff out of thin air.