Hi, Ds2 attends MS school and since Sept I have been collecting him at 12pm to take him to the local RDA. He has been riding there for the last 2 years and when I spoke to school they were happy for him to be taken out over lunch (only time the RDA runs in the week - small group). Another child further up the school also comes out of school and we share lifts there and back.
Today we get back to school at 1.20 which I do admit is 10 mins later than normal - met by HT who then proceeded to say that it was unacceptable and that they had to be back in for 1pm at the latest, and if they couldn't, then they couldn't go. He stated that it was disruptive for the rest of class if they were late and ok I can see that pov. I asked if they could leave school 5 mins earlier (when they were clearing up to get ready for lunch) and was told it wasn't an option. It would help if they actually got out at 12 instead of 12.10 as it usually is.
There is no way we will get back for 1pm. The stables are 15mins drive each way from school, they have 10mins to get on the ponies and organised, then 30 mins actual riding, then it takes me 10 mins to get ds off the pony, clothes changed and into the car for the journey back.
I don't want ds to stop his riding - have thought about proper lessons but he wouldn't cope without the extra support he gets now with the extra helpers. His paed has stated that the riding is good for his core stability and helps with his sil and peer interaction.
Where do I stand with insisting that he continues or how can I resolve this to keep both ds and school happy?