Would you allow this? School Residential

[NikoB]

Would you allow your 8 year old to go on a school residential at the beginning of December? They’ll be on a mini bus driving in the dark on the motorway (they leave straight after school on the Friday).
They’ll be driving 2 hours on the motorway to their destination.
I feel really uneasy about it, there will be some country lanes in the dark involved once they get there too.

Is the 8 year old driving?!

Why are you posting about this again?

Yes, what are you worried about

Yes of course I would. The school will have undertaken risk assessments, there will be multiple staff members and if it’s a good opportunity for my child I’d be happy for them to go? What exactly is worrying you, I understand wanting to protect your child but this seems unduly anxious?

I just know more accidents happen in the dark, potentially bad weather in winter especially on motorways and rural stretches of road.

Yes, they'll be fine

What does your child normally do when it’s dark outside? Do you keep him indoors?

Of course no problem.
You can ask school if the driver is qualified. is it a teacher driving or a hired professional?. People drive on motorways and country lanes all the time. In the dark too.

You need some help for your anxiety OP

The person driving is a teacher but I believe they have a mini bus license.

Yes.
I drive on motorways and country lanes in the dark in winter, with my DC all the time. On some days (I’m peripatetic) my commute is 90 mins. Sometimes I also drive a van with Scouts in.

Presumably the minibus driver has a driving licence?

Also he’s normally on a booster seat in our car. He’s tall for his age but I’m wondering if the seatbelts will fit okay.

I would be pleased that they had a little trip planned. Can't see the issue here at all. Driving in the dark in rural areas is allowed. I think your anxiety is the real issue here.

Of course they have a mini bus license if they’re driving a mini bus 🙄🤦‍♀️

Yes it will be very well risk assessed and life doesn't stop for winter

Yes, he will have a great time and come home full of excitement and stories.

Do you never drive your son? Are you assuming his teacher is a much driver than you?

No he is far too young…if he was 12 then maybe the increased risk of accidents would be ok.

🙄

What on earth does his age matter if you are worried about accidents.

If they are over 21 and under 70, and have been driving for more than 2 years, they can drive a minibus on a car licence with a few conditions around load and payment . Unless they passed their test before 1/1/97 in which case they can drive a minibus anyway.

Could you narrow down what the actual issue is? Because to my mind this is a very normal situation.

Haven't you already started a very recent thread about this OP?

I think that you should perhaps look into ways to deal with anxiety. You will restrict the opportunities for your DC if you’re overthinking these kinds of scenarios. I say that as a natural worrier, but equally wanting my DC to have every opportunity to go on trips, experience new activities and learn in life.

Is it a new trip this year or something they do annually?
There will be a thorough risk assessment for the trip.

If you take this mindset then your child wouldn't go on any trips as road accidents happen daily.

No I think you should wrap your child up in cotton wool forever and never leave the house. Although as most accidents happen in the home that might be a problem….

Op your being daft.
Stop being silly of course its safe