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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU or have I lost perspective on things?

26 replies

crazylizzy · 30/06/2009 11:38

DD is due to start school in September. We applied for our local school, which is within walking distance, but she did not get a place due to being such a high demand, so they simply took the nearest X amount of pupils, sadly, DD was not one of them We contested until I was blue in the face, but there was simply not enough spaces and it was not open for contesting.

She was offered a place at the next nearest school, which is 7.5 miles away. We took this option, not really any other choice.

Due to us living further than a certain distance from this school (I think it's something like 3 miles?), the LEA are obliged to provide free transort for DD, in the form of a school bus, which already runs. She will catch the bus from the next street over, works out great for us

However, for the first 2 terms, DD will be going part time in school, then full time after that. They will start 30min ealier than the rest of the school so then the youngest new children are settled in the class room before the rest of the school arrives/starts, and then she will finish at 12.30pm.

The problem is that we are a no-car family, so getting DD to and from school is a very big problem

AIBU to expect the LEA/school to provide us or help us out somehow, seeing as the LEA didn't provide her with a place at our local, walking distance, school?

Have spoken to LEA and they said that until DD is full time, it is up to us to get her to and from school. I made it clear that we do not have a car and they said that it was personal issues with us and not them.

Am feeling very about the whole situation and a bit

OP posts:
FluffyBunnyGoneBad · 30/06/2009 11:39

That's crazy! Can you go and have a moan at your MP?

AnarchyAunt · 30/06/2009 11:40

They will have to provide a taxi I think.

Someone I know has a similar situation and the LEA pay for a taxi to collect and return her DS every day.

Original poster
crazylizzy · 30/06/2009 11:41

That's what I thought but LEA claim that DD is only entitled to free transport once she is full time. I'm tempted to keep her home until she goes full time as a sign of protest!

(not really)

OP posts:
meemarsgotabrandnewbump · 30/06/2009 11:42

YANBU to be upset or cross at the situation. It sounds like a real pain to sort this out for 2 terms.

What's the local public transport like? And are they willing to pay for it?

AnarchyAunt · 30/06/2009 11:44

I think they are talking crap.

Have you looked up the local school transport policy? What does it say?

mrsrawlinson · 30/06/2009 11:45

You're not being remotely unreasonable IMO. If the LEA are obliged to provide transport to get your DD to school, and these are the school hours, I see absolutely no justification for their position. I can see the logic of not running an entire bus for what might amount to only a few children, but in that case they should provide taxis. I'd fight if I were you.

Original poster
crazylizzy · 30/06/2009 11:45

Zero public transport from our home to school. The school route involves a dual carriageway, so buses are very limited going that route anyway, let alone from here.

OP posts:
lisasimpson · 30/06/2009 11:46

can she wait and not start until required to be full time? (of course understanding she might then be at a disadvantage)but I know some working parents who couldn't manage the part time hours had to do this...

1dilemma · 30/06/2009 11:49

I'm guessing she is not legally obliged to be in school until she is full-time am I right?

If so I think they are trying it on but don't know what to suggest practically I think it boils down to getting them to keep the place until she can go on the bus or taking her yourself.

Is she on W/L for local school?

Original poster
crazylizzy · 30/06/2009 11:49

Thank you for all your replies. I thought that maybe I was expecting too much. I do not expect a school bus solely for DD by all means but maybe some sort of support seeing as we're in this situation through no fault of our own, in fact we are very upset that DD did not get into the local school.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 30/06/2009 11:51

I too would keep her home until she was full time

it's not like you can make tax money out of fresh air

Original poster
crazylizzy · 30/06/2009 11:53

lisasimpons and 1dilemma, I don't know the law on going to school if I'm honest with you, but keeping her back for the first 2 terms is something I really, really don't want to do. I think I'd rather book and pay for a taxi myself to take her. I'd hate to think that all the other children were settling in and DD was at home

OP posts:
saadia · 30/06/2009 11:53

YANBU, might be worth talking to the school about it.

1dilemma · 30/06/2009 11:59

Have to go (or home educate) from the term after her 5th birthday I think that's about it!

racmac · 30/06/2009 11:59

Can you not get the bus?

HAve you asked the school if she can start full time straight away?

Or asked school if anyone else in your situation that they may be able to match you up with - either then go to LA or share lift?

notevenamousie · 30/06/2009 12:11

What a nightmare. YANBU but I have no suggestions. Poor you, and poor DD.

ConstantlyCooking · 01/07/2009 07:56

Could you talk to the school and explain that you would love her to have the settling in period but that the practicalities of the situation means that this is not really an option. They might be able to put pressure on the LEA. The school will also likelyknow what has been arranged in the past - if there are other children from nearby taking the bus this situation must have arisen before. If nothing else they might be able to put you into contact with other local parents in the same situation to lift share. It does seem v unreasonable of the LEA and tbh they might just be stalling so you just fund the transport yourself.
have you tried posting this on education as there might be somebody who can advise based on their past experiences.

Scorpette · 01/07/2009 11:39

You could threaten to go to the local and/or national press about the impossible situation they've put your family in - just a threat in itself could really put a rocket up their arses!

Pyrocanthus · 01/07/2009 11:50

Perhaps try writing to the LEA and copying to your county councillor in the first instance. That might at least confirm that you've not been given duff info over the phone, and the councillor might be able to lean on them to provide assistance.

pickyvic · 01/07/2009 19:01

i would definitely contact the LEA and ask them, and in the mean time i would see if there is anyone else doing the same thing so you (or your DD) could cadge a lift

YANBU.

fucksticks · 01/07/2009 19:08

Could you pay yourself for a taxi the first few days to settle her in and then just send her on the normal school bus?
She wont be there half an hour early with the other new starters, but at least she will be there!

piscesmoon · 01/07/2009 19:13

Is she 5 yrs in September? I would have thought that age was the issue, once she is 5 yrs they would have to get her there, if she is under 5 yrs they can get away without.

mamas12 · 01/07/2009 19:26

Don't start paying a taxi on your money.
The lea have a duty to provide transport and that is that.
Write the letter explaining this catch 22 situation and ask for a speedy resolution.
Copy in your councillor and poss mp.
They are trying to pull a fast one.

piscesmoon · 01/07/2009 19:28

They may not have a duty if she is under 5 yrs.

bigchris · 01/07/2009 19:32

but what happens when she is at school, goes on the school bus and you have to pick her up because she's ill, or you have to attend sports day, Harvest festival, Xmas play etc etc

you need to be able to get yourself there too at times

shen you say you are a no car household does that mean you can't drive?

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