Walking to school

[Astronaut1298]

Hi everyone

My son is 4. He is completely non verbal and due to start at Reception in September. We did not get the schools on our list, and the school we did get is 20 min walk for an adult which is absolutely fine for us.. but I am just worried about DS as we went for a trial walk last week with him and after 15 mins he just wanted to lay on the ground and started kicking me when I tried to get him up. I've seen other threads in regards to 20-30 minute walk for a 4 year old, they suggest scooters but my son does not have the ability to ride one yet and also completely uninterested when we did try

He gets easily frustrated and throws himself on the ground when he's tired. I have a 2 year old also. Unfortunately she didn't get the same nursery so will pick her up first, put her in the pushchair and make my way to my son's school

Do you have any tips at all that could make this easier? Or had a similar experience?
It's a 5 minute drive but there is asbolutely no parking at all and a really narrow road. Been there twice during school times to have a look. I guess just needed a place to talk as it's not been an easy ride these last 4 years :(

Once DS is compulsory school age you will be entitled to transport. Unfortunately, below CSA the same duty doesn’t apply but LAs can make arrangements at their discretion so do ask.

Does DS have an EHCP?

Have you tried a SN buggy? Or he may even fit into your existing buggy and get DD a buggy board, or would a buggy board work for DS?

Would parking be available if DS had a blue badge? Or is there parking on the school site - even if parents aren’t normally allowed to park on site you could ask if they would make a reasonable adjustment.

He doesn't have to start until he's five so you could delay if you think it would help. Otherwise a buggy board? He could probably use a distraction too. What's his thing, would a snack help or use of a phone? Or a fidget toy to hold.

Thank you so much for your replies, so glad i posted now. I will definitely be asking LA if they can assist until he's CSA. I didn't know SN buggies existed, so will have a look into that also!

His thing is definitely games on the tablet or phone so will use a few distractions on the way.

Feeling abit more positive this morning :) thank you both

In regards to EHCP, it got rejected and they refused to observe him so we are in the process of apealing that

I am glad you are appealing the EHCP refusal.

We would be lost without DS1’s SN buggy. Sometimes you can get one funded by wheelchair services. If you can’t there are various charities that can help - whizz kidz, Freedom for Kids, Newlife, Boparan Trust, Caudwell Children…

I had a buggy with buggyboard during Reception and DD who got very tired was usually on the buggy board. Sometimes they swapped and the 3 yr old went on the board and dd in the buggy if extra tired (she even slept occasionally). You can get buggy boards with a little seat on too. To be fair there are some buggies which work better with buggyboards than others - you need a long handle really.

I think we even had the double buggy (second hand out n about nipper, amazing) until age 5 or so.

I saw quite a few reception kids in buggies so don’t be worried about that.

We also used a scooter with a strap attached so I could pull her along. That’s tricky with a buggy as well though.