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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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Niecie · 15/06/2009 14:58

I understand how you feel as well. My DS2 is 5 and in Yr R and going off to the zoo in a couple of weeks. He is soooo looking forward to it but I am a little apprehensive only because he hasn't been on a big trip without us.

However, whilst I have reservation because he is so young I also know that the school have done this trip every year for the past 5 yrs to my knowledge, probably longer. They know exactly what to do, they have it all planned out. No school, I would hope, would embark on this sort of trip without first having planned it completely, including a pre-visit visit to the place by some of the teachers.

Probably like my DS your DD will have been studying animals as a topic in a run up to the trip. They will be told all about it and they will be told exactly how to behave and where to go for help. They won't be left alone at all.

I know it is easy for me to say as DS1 went on this trip at 4yrs and he was fine but really, there is nothing to worry about, just think of it as a slightly longer than normal school day.

My DS1 is now 8, nearly 9 and has been on school trips every year since and has loved them all and not once come to any harm.

I think if you were seriously considering it (and I know you weren't really) not letting your DD go on a trip until then would be doing her a great disservice - they really are part of growing up. I can still remember every single one of mine even the slightly dull ones.

Just to put it in perspective slightly, never mind holding off on day trips until 8 or 9, nowadays it is quite common for them to go on 2 or 3 night residental courses at that age. That is scary!

ProfYaffle · 15/06/2009 14:59

Let her go! My dd1 (also reception) is away on her first school trip today, an hour's drive on a coach, she has been sooooo excited about it for ages. A bit mean to leave her out when all her friends are going I think. I'm just going to collect her now, can't wait to hear all about it.

Greensleeves · 15/06/2009 15:01

I would let her go.

The teachers will be very experienced in dealing with children on school trips and will keep a proper eye on the little ones

don't worry!

Hulababy · 15/06/2009 15:05

Oh please let her go. She will have a fantastic time. She will be kept safe by teachers, teaching assistants and parents. School trips are a major source of excitement and fun for children; to have her miss this seems unfair on her, even if she is a bit nervous beforehand. Don't forget to that YOIR nervousness will rub off on her.

I am a TA in a Y1 class and we are taking 90 children to a tropical house over an hour away next week. The children are already excited. The adult child ratios are very high.

Greensleeves · 15/06/2009 15:07

I think experiences like this (as long as it is properly managed) really help to "grow" children and develop their confidence and sense of excitement at the world. Have a word with her teacher if you're worried - maybe one of the staff will be carrying a moblie you could ring if you feel the need to check up?

Tambajam · 15/06/2009 15:10

I would let her go as well.
I know it feels a bit daunting. My son went on his first all day trip last term and I was a bit concerned but I knew it was the best thing for him. Do you have a friend who is a parent helper? Could you ask if he goes in their group?

Blu · 15/06/2009 15:27

Definitley let her go...and don't go as a helper!

They will be SO organised, schools have these trips down to a fine art. If you go as a helper you probably won't be put with your dd's mini-group, and it will be v hard work, and if you go as a helper, go because you want to help, not because you want to take responsibility for your dd.

She is school age now - let her enjoy being (almost) 5 She will get tremendous confidence and excitement fom being able to bring you a story of an experience she has had that doesn't involve you.

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!

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!

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.

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?

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...

snice · 15/06/2009 18:53

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

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.

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

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 !

Northernlurker · 15/06/2009 19:02

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

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.

sarah293 · 15/06/2009 19:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

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?

bigchris · 15/06/2009 19:25

sorry I meant wee-ing accident!

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

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

PhaseAte · 15/06/2009 19:26

where is the OP?

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.

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