What do teachers think of a parent when they collect their child late because now I feel really bad!

[scrooged]

I was late collecting him before christmas by half an hour because I didn't get a letter saying that there would be no homework club on that day . I was late by 15 minutes today because I'm working 15 miles away, I rely on the bus which I missed and there was an accident on the motorway. I feel so bad and it's only 2 days into the term. ds is 9, these are the only times I've been late. He only started at the school in September so it doesn't look good for me.

I'm usually in the office after school, so I sort out the kids who haven't been picked up, and I really don't remember whose mum was late last term.

When ever a club is cancelled there's always at least one who lost the letter, we just give the parent a ring & they wait in the library till they're picked up - it's not a problem.

I was always fine with those who had difficult journeys (a lot did in on one of my schools as it was catholic and didn't necessarily take from the local area) but the ones that were late EVERY BLOODY NIGHT really anoyed me as I was giving 20 mins of free child care per night.

I feel terrible. I've had no breaks and 20 mins for lunch so I could pick him up on time and I couldn't even do that. I need my job. I can't find another one and I'm lucky that it covers all my bills but I can't juggle it all. I'm going to be working in the same place for 2 weeks then somewhere in the city where I live. I have nightmares about being late to collect him, I always have.

Please don't worry. You're only talking about 2 incidents. If you're normally punctual, then the teachers won't be thinking anything at all! It does get annoying when you have parents who are consistently late to pick up at the end of the day. I teach a child whose parent is frequently half an hour late (3 days out of 5), without any apology or explanation. In fact, at the end of last term, my colleague walked him home after half an hour and his mum answered the door. She hadn't even got her coat on!

You said he's only just started at the school, but is there anyone you know there who could act as your emergency pick up person?

oh scrooged please dont worry. Although I am sure someone will come on later to send you on a guilt trip but honestly most schools don't make notes about who is late and how often. Honest. These things happen, its not as if school staff are all leaving at 3pm and you are therefore not making someone late.

TBH the children usually sit and read quietly or chat if there is more than 1 of them.

Life is too short to worry about it.

Not really. I'm a single mum so I do it all. Gran/Grandad might (ex's parents) but they are sometimes hard to get hold of. I don't know anyone else. I just drop him off and run IYKWIM.

Time to set up a few play dates I think and make a few connections at school. It will just give you peace of mind that someone can help you in an emergency.

Thanks Ruby! I was going to send some chocolates in.

It's a private school, open until 5pm for boys that need to stay and do homework until their parents come and collect them.

I think the playdates and making friends and getting a few mobile numbers is the way to go.