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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

DD too young for school trip at 4?

81 replies

CocoSims · 11/07/2021 20:28

Our schools organised a school trip for the reception kids this week. It’s a 2 hour coach trip and full day at the seaside. There are a couple of parents going to help out.

Normally I’d be fine with this but my DD is the youngest in the school and it shows, she’s not at all streetwise and I’ve been told they’ll be holding a friends hand which she’s not very good at, her heads always in the clouds.

Shall I just be honest with the school? What are your views on kids going at this age? I understand not all kids have the chance to do these things so I get it but she seems really young right now.

I do have a nearly 8 year old who does loads so I know it’s not a general issue I have with letting my kids do stuff.

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User5827372728 · 11/07/2021 20:29

Can you go as well?

LizzieSiddal · 11/07/2021 20:30

Can you go and speak to the teacher and tell them you’re worried? They should be-able to reassure you.

Peppallama · 11/07/2021 20:31

Yes, volunteer! I mean it will be horrendous but at least you'll be able to let her go and keep an eye on her at the same time

Original poster

CocoSims · 11/07/2021 20:31

No I tried but loads of parents applied and they pulled names at random

OP posts:

Peppallama · 11/07/2021 20:31

X posts! I'd still ask - speak to the teacher

User5827372728 · 11/07/2021 20:32

Or drive and meet them there?

Original poster

CocoSims · 11/07/2021 20:32

Plus the school sent out a letter this week saying parents who have volunteered will not get to go in their child’s group which would’ve upset me as surely that’s why we all go?!

OP posts:

CarrotCakeMuffins · 11/07/2021 20:32

I would talk to the teacher, explain your concerns and see if the teacher can keep an extra close eye on her, preferably have her in the teachers group of kids and teacher hold her hand. That's what used to happen with my DC2 who had form for running.

Soontobe60 · 11/07/2021 20:35

Your child is nearly 5, more than old enough to go in a school trip. Presumably the teachers already know she’s likely to need keeping an eye on.
Believe me, as a teacher, taking children on trips is a bit of a nightmare in terms of making sure everyone is accounted for - we count them approx every 2 minutes🤣(or t least that’s what it feels like). She will be fine.

Floralnomad · 11/07/2021 20:38

I’d let her go , there will be plenty of supervision and they know which ones need a special eye keeping on them . If it makes you happier speak to the teacher and ask if she can be put in a group that is directly supervised by a staff member rather than a parent that you don’t know due to your concerns .

Artesia · 11/07/2021 20:48

@CocoSims

Plus the school sent out a letter this week saying parents who have volunteered will not get to go in their child’s group which would’ve upset me as surely that’s why we all go?!

That's standard- a parent supervising a group with their own child in it is never going to deal with them all impartially. In an emergency, they'd always instinctively make sure their own child was ok first. That's not the right way to deal with a group on a trip.

HTPri · 11/07/2021 20:49

They’ll be absolutely fine. Teachers wouldnt be taking them if it wasnt safely risk assessed.

Italiandreams · 11/07/2021 20:52

I actually think that is a long way and a long day for a reception class. I can see your reluctance. I’m normally all for not holding children back and encouraging independence but think I would be a bit nervous too.

Bunnycat101 · 11/07/2021 20:53

My reception child has been on 2 trips. All of the behaviour was apparently exemplary even from the more challenging children and it benefited them all massively.

Bunnycat101 · 11/07/2021 20:54

But will add though that the trips were both within 30 mins. 2h coach and the seaside is probably quite ambitious but I’m sure the school will have done a gazillion risk assessments and know what they’re doing.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 11/07/2021 20:55

My DD did a trip like that in preschool. They had a lovely time.

At 4 she was on the school bus daily, with all the other reception class kids.

The staff are really good at controlling them all.

MissMaple82 · 11/07/2021 20:56

@soontobe60 for a teacher your comment is concerning 😟

Akire · 11/07/2021 20:57

kids behaviour different with other adults. Most them take the hold friends hands and walk in pairs very seriously. Anyone misbehaviour would be swiftly threatened with holding adults hand or worse a boys!

User5827372728 · 11/07/2021 20:58

@MissMaple82

Why?

MissMaple82 · 11/07/2021 20:58

I would be concerned too. I probably wouldn't let her go, at 4 she won't know any difference. My children is in reception class and thankfully no trips but when she was at nursery I never allowed her to leave the nursery. Once at Xmas instead of walking to church I allowed to go in the car of the manager who I trusted.

Italiandreams · 11/07/2021 20:58

@MissMaple82 what is concerning?

titchy · 11/07/2021 20:58

[quote MissMaple82]@soontobe60 for a teacher your comment is concerning 😟[/quote]
Why? A teacher has confirmed that they know who the kids are that need a bit more tlc, that they need counting every couple of minutes and that it's a really really tense experience for the teacher. Those are good comments surely? Far better than 'Lol it'll all be fine, we've not lost one yet, chill babe.'

titchy · 11/07/2021 21:00

@MissMaple82

Won't know any difference? Really. You think a reception kid won't know about the trip that everyone is talking about for weeks? Or that they've had a day off school? Err ok...

NatalieH2220 · 11/07/2021 21:01

I wouldn't be happy to send my 4yo. My main concern would be him being on a coach and not in a car seat long distance. It seems quite far for 4/5 year olds for a day trip.

poppy1973 · 11/07/2021 21:01

Yes, just let the school know your child is too young for such a trip. I pulled out my 4 year old of a long day trip, the head was fine and was quite pleased and agreed at the time that the trip was too long for a 4 year old.

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