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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

CMs: School run, snow, on foot with double buggy and a toddler in tow...

19 replies

Snooch · 13/01/2010 10:33

Has anybody done the school run on foot with a buggy recently?

I will have to do a school pick up for two children (at the same school) for the first time since all the snow tomorrow and am DREADING it Will be pushing a cumbersome, swivel wheeled double Mclaren plus have a 2.5 year old on foot. Did a practice run yesterday which was a bit of a nightmare - very icy and had to walk in the middle of the road at one point, but only had the two in the buggy so could do it fairly quickly (defintely wont be able to do that with a little one on foot!!!). School is normally a 10 minute walk away but took us nearly 40 minutes to get there, and all up and down hills too so really difficult. And now it's been snowing all night and still is, so not sure I'm even going to be able get the buggy through the soft stuff.

Am soooo tempted to call the mum and tell her I won't be able to do it but hate to let people down when they're depending on me and don't want to come across all wuss-like when on other forums there are childminders who are ploughing on ahead (so to speak...) regardless. How are you all managing?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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BoysAreLikeDogs · 13/01/2010 11:30

tbh the children that are with you through the day are safer staying in

ring the num and say that you have to consider the safety of all and on balance you cannot collect the child from school

Safety of the children paramount

HSMM · 13/01/2010 11:45

I cancelled a school run once for the safety of the other children in my care. I refunded the money.

Original poster

Snooch · 13/01/2010 12:49

Am very seriously considering it - I am starting to have horrible visions and associated heart palpitations thinking of the journey, especially trying to cross the various busy roads we have to and potentially getting stuck on the pavement on another particular one where walking in the middle of the road will most definitely NOT be possible.

No, this is crazy. There's no way we can do this. Am going to call the mum now and credit what she's paid for today for next week. She's not going to happy though, I can tell you that.

OP posts:

badgerhead · 13/01/2010 13:14

I don't blame you. I did the school run yesterday & today with a P&T in double mode. manged to 'lock' the front wheel this morning so was much easier I don't eny anyone with a small wheeled buggy though that would be a nightmare!

Original poster

Snooch · 13/01/2010 13:44

DH called me from work today to check on things as he sometimes does and said that we should trade the Mclaren in for a P&T when I mentioned my stress at tomorrow. I'd love nothing better but they're soooo expensive and really cant afford it right now without making some major sacrifices.

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atworknotworking · 13/01/2010 14:07

Took me 50mins this am to do a 10min walk to school, with only 1 mindee. The pavements were leathal, tried walking on the smaller roads but that was worse covered in black ice. I would much rather it snowed at least then their is something to grip onto.

So many little ones falling over, I definately wouldn't do it with a double buggy and a mindee or two in tow, makes much more sense to cancell.

buggylovinmummy · 13/01/2010 14:14

I had to do exactly that this morning to get my dd to school. Had 2 mindees in a double maclaren and my 3 year old ds walking. I,ll be honest it was do-able but hard work, i kept getting stuck in the middle of the road but luckily they are just little side roads so hardly any traffic. Am going to send hubby this afternoon as hes home now.

Original poster

Snooch · 13/01/2010 14:19

50 mins??? Good grief!! Yeah, yesterday when we went out it was compacted snow and some ice - not sure if this new bit of snow is going to make it better or worse.

Cant get hold of the mum - have left a message on her mobile and sent her an email...hope she gets it in time so that she can make alternative arrangements!

OP posts:

underpaidandoverworked · 13/01/2010 21:00

Gosh, we have virtually no snow left here in Newcastle - big hugs to all of you who still have it.

Have to say, this time last week it was a foot deep and couldnt get to playgroup I work in. Def cancel - tell her you've risk assessed the journey and under the welfare requirements of EYFS it would be unsafe for the other children in your care.

Hope it clears up soon wherever you are x

dobby2001 · 14/01/2010 00:29

The tiny wheeled buggys are a nightmare in this weather, best thing if you have to use is to pull them rather than push.

Really is better to get abigger wheeled buggy, nt jst for snow - they are great for off road down the park

Remember you can always try ebay and it is a business expense so tax deductable

Original poster

Snooch · 14/01/2010 09:30

Well, managed to cancel with the mum who was a little put out, but understanding thank goodness. What a relief, would have had a sleepless night otherwise!!

Had a look on ebay last night and there are some great bargains to be had - if I sell my Mclaren I can of course offset the cost against that. And yes, forgot that it can be a business expense, never mind that I have two DC of my own who will be using it rather a lot too...I do so enjoy the perks of our job

Raining today and the snow and ice is melting rapidly - never thought I'd be so glad to see the rain!!

OP posts:

kys · 14/01/2010 10:51

Its just taken me an hr and 10mins to do school run with a triple buggy, normally takes 20-25mins, I'm shattered and so pleased the little ones all fell asleep, ive had half hr to have a cuppa and chill before they wake, hopefully they will sleep for bit longer.
Dreading this afternoon, its turning to sludge which i'm sure will make it harder.

Original poster

Snooch · 14/01/2010 16:15

Kys, I really feel for you - I used to own a triple too (O Baby) but once DS1 got old enough to walk decent distances on his own very quickly got rid of it as I only needed a double then. SO cumbersome and difficult to manouver - really don't know how on earth you did it in the snow and ice, good god

Well it's afternoon school run time now...hope it's not too bad for you

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Original poster

Snooch · 14/01/2010 16:16

PS...you're very brave.

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kys · 14/01/2010 16:44

Thanks snooch. I use a 'T3 jogger triple' It has really big wheels which make it slightly easier, still took 65mins though. Stomach hurts from pushing it.
My mindees all go early today (shame it wasnt before the school run) parents basically got here 5mins after i got back.

Original poster

Snooch · 14/01/2010 17:26

Who needs excercise when you're a childminder eh? My bum and thighs have never been more toned, I kid you not!

OP posts:

kys · 14/01/2010 19:33

Its the arms and shoulders for me, so toned i cant wait for summer and little tops

Original poster

Snooch · 15/01/2010 09:32

We live in a very hilly area you see so that's what's doing it. Think I def need a triple again to get those arms you're talking about!

OP posts:

thebody · 15/01/2010 09:54

cancelled school runs last tuesday, just too dangerous for me and the children.. thats life..

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