Before and after school clubs at high school

[mellowdramatic]

...do not seem to exist! Ds1 will start in September and I don't feel he is ready to walk or catch general bus. There are a couple of parents nearby but I would find it hard to do my fair share of school runs as I work full time and am on my own. Should I offer to pay them? Has anyone any imaginative solutions?

Why don't high schools offer this?

I'd say (like other posters) start practising now and be prepared for him to do a lot of growing up in the next 6 months- they do!

Even if you do go down the childminder route, make sure he has the skills to be independent: otherwise he will end up socially isolated when all his mates go out to the cinema or city centre and he can't come.

Lots of secondary schools differ from primary in that children are encouraged to arrive early. Many open the canteen for breakfast snacks from 8 am, etc.

Similarly, in the afternoon the library may be open for homework, or there may be special interest clubs. Unlike in primary school, these are often free.

Having said that, I have an extremely unstreetwise 10 year old in Y6. All children are not the same, so do what you feel is best for your child. All families are not the same too. Some dc may get home from school at 3, with parents arriving at 7, others may arrive at 4 with parents coming in at 5. It depends on your particular circumstances.