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

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

Primary education

reluctance to allow reception child to go on school trip

57 replies

earlycomputers · 15/06/2009 11:56

Just need to see what others think - my dd is just 5yrs and the whole ks1/foundation/reception kids in her school are going away for the day (9 till 4.30) to a wildlife park by coach. I am not that happy about her going as there will be 150 kids (yes I know they will have parent helpers there) but just feel she is too young to go, thinking that if there are any problems, she wouldn't be able to deal with them adequately at her age. The park is about an hours drive away. I think I will feel happier about such school trips when she is older like 8 or 9yrs, but not at 4 or 5yrs old. I would of course like to go as a parent helper (and so would my dd) but cannot unfortunately as I am not allowed to bring my youngest dd who is 3yrs. Has anyone else felt like this or am I being too over-worried/over protective? thanks

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hellywobs · 17/06/2009 14:45

I totally understand why you feel overprotective but you do need to get over it for both your sakes. I worry like mad about car accidents and the like when my childminder takes my son on trips in the summer holidays (and the ratio on a school trip is much better because of all the parent helpers) but you just have to tell yourself that nothing bad will happen. Make sure she has spare knickers and knows where they are, if you are worried about accidents and let her go. She'll have loads of fun!

LovelyRitaMeterMaid · 16/06/2009 11:04

DS went on a school trip last June when he was in the nursery part of his class (mixed nursery/reception class). He loved it and there is no way he wouldn't have gone.

I am actually looking forward to DD doing the same thing this time next year (is it bad I am thinking about a whole day to myself as well as the fun she will have? )

HappyMummyOfOne · 16/06/2009 10:58

I had this last year, DH thought DS was far too young to go on the school trip (safari park for whole school - around 70 children) and I worried all day but did let him go.

TA texted me twice to say he was fine and he had a great day. Was very proud of his shopping and full of chat re the animals.

Definately gets easier but I'm glad the first big trip is over.

tryingtobemarypoppins · 15/06/2009 19:49

The thing is what will she do if she doesn't go? How will she mangage with the follow up activities and the social side of things?
Let her go, she will be fine! The reception teachers are amazing for taking them!

Hulababy · 15/06/2009 19:33

The child? Do they not have to take packed lunch, etc?

DD is expected to carry a backpack (for trips) with her packed lunch in and a waterproof, etc. and has done since reception.

bigchris · 15/06/2009 19:31

yes maybe I should but then who will carry it, lol

Portofino · 15/06/2009 19:30

My 5 yo went to Pirate Camp for 3 days at Easter. She had a whale of a time. I was a wreck, but it's not about me. It is scary the first time you let them go, but it is one of those things that needs to happen - they need to build their independance.

I'm not advocating that everyone sends their babies off for a 3 day stretch - mine wanted to go and was ready to do it. To me the really scary stuff is when dd is old enough to go out unaccompanied by any adults, and learning to drive etc.....

Hulababy · 15/06/2009 19:27

If you think your LO is likely to have an accident then you should send them in with spare pants and bottoms.

PhaseAte · 15/06/2009 19:26

where is the OP?

bigchris · 15/06/2009 19:25

cos at school they can change into their pe kit if they have a toilet accident but on the trip all they will have is lunch with them and a drink

purpleduck · 15/06/2009 19:25

Yes, let her go.
I still remember not being able to do things that other children were allowed to do, and I felt so terrible, and completely left out.

Can you not get someone to look after your 3yo, and be a helper? It would set your mind at ease to see how well planned these things usually are.

bigchris · 15/06/2009 19:25

sorry I meant wee-ing accident!

Northernlurker · 15/06/2009 19:24

Riven - that is a different situation. Have you asked your school how they intend to see that your dd gets as much from the trip as any other child. Regarding the hospital - if she needed it isn't there an air ambulance which could get her there very quickly?

sarah293 · 15/06/2009 19:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

trickerg · 15/06/2009 19:02

8-9 year olds at our school go on a 5 day residential over 100 miles away! Last year, all but 2 of the 58 children went!
I think it's just a case of getting over your fears, and letting your daughter branch out into the world as an independent person. It's an exciting thought really.

Northernlurker · 15/06/2009 19:02

You are being far too over-protective. Get a grip.

WynkenBlynkenandNod · 15/06/2009 19:00

Agree with Blu about the confidence side of it which is hugely important, though you probably don't quite realise how much until they've come back all excited telling you all about it, so a bit of a Catch 22 from that point of view !

duckyfuzz · 15/06/2009 18:57

my twins are in reception and went on a whole school trip a couple of weeks ago, they loved it, everyone came back in one piece and I really think they would have been very upset to have missed out, please let her go

Hulababy · 15/06/2009 18:55

Someone is responsible for first aid provision, and will als take out all inhalers and medication, etc. We make sure they are up to date and labelled, etc.

There will be some spare clothes available although granted no many. What type of accident do you mean for change of clothes?

And yes, we take the snack time fruit and milk with us - as provided by school.

Packed lunches provided from home.

snice · 15/06/2009 18:53

.....and dettol and wipes and tissues and plasters......

ellingwoman · 15/06/2009 17:24

Of course they do!!!!

And first aid and inhalers and epipens and sick bags and the contents of the fruit bowl and the kitchen sink...

bigchris · 15/06/2009 17:21

Hulababy - what do the teachers do in case of accidents? obviously all the kids wont have spare clothes with them so is someone responsible for taking a couple of lost property items just in case?

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dollius · 15/06/2009 17:20

My son hasn't even started reception yet, is only 4, and has been away on two day-long trips with the holiday club run by his nursery.

He loved it and it was perfectly fine - one was over and hour away.

You can't expect her to wait until she is 8 or 9.

edam · 15/06/2009 17:18

earlycomputers, you are allowed to have a wobble about allowing your dd out into the big wide world without you but DO let her go!

ellingwoman · 15/06/2009 17:16

Agree with Blu. You would be letting down the other children in your group by concentrating on your own child. Let her go AND DON'T MAKE A FUSS ABOUT IT!!!! She will pick up on your anxieties. Do exactly what the school ask re drinks, travel sickness, lunch, waterproofs etc and let them do the rest!

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