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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Quick q: is this a safeguarding thing or am I being daft?

24 replies

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 11/06/2019 15:26

Would you be concerned, to see a secondary school pupil accessing the school building at 7am, in a school where there are no breakfast clubs? (And judging by the state of the carpark, no teachers in.) Would you worry that 'something' was wrong?

Saw this today and can't decide whether to flag it or not - happy to be told I'm being daft and there are 100 possible explanations!

OP posts:
Seeline · 11/06/2019 15:28

When you say 'accessing' the building - do you mean climbing over a gate, forcing a window etc or just walking into school?

Could be going in early for a trip, revision session, club, sports event so many reasons.

I don't think it's an issue at secondary.

Original poster
LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 11/06/2019 15:32

Oh yeah, sorry - just walking in. If they were breaking in I would have done something!

No trips this week, no exams or revision (we're in Scotland so all that is over and done with) and the school has no early morning activities. I guess I'm just worried that some wee lass is heading into school as soon as the door is unlocked and if someone should know about that?

OP posts:
Nesssie · 11/06/2019 15:34

Honestly, you are being daft and there are 100 possible explanations!
Parents working early so having to drop child off early?

WindsweptEgret · 11/06/2019 15:35

Is the library open?

BertrandRussell · 11/06/2019 15:36

It depends on the school. Ds’s secondary school had a very disadvantaged catchment, and it opened very early- around 7- because it gave kids somewhere to go. Otherwise many of them were out of the house when parents went to work. It was warm and dry and they could make tea. Some of them even used the peace and quiet to do some work!

SkydivingKittyCat · 11/06/2019 15:37

All my safeguarding training says if something doesn't feel right, report it.

It's probably nothing but it could be something.

Also I'd think that if it's a regular thing someone needs to know she's there in case of an emergency (fire etc.)?

ClarkeMurphy · 11/06/2019 15:38

Depends if it was regular. If it were an every day thing I'd check that the school know about it.

Doyoumind · 11/06/2019 15:39

I don't think you need to be concerned. If their parents aren't around it's possibly the best place to be. Is it raining there? Perhaps it was the choice between being dropped off at 7 or walking in the rain later. You just don't know but I don't think it's an issue.

fizzybubblepop · 11/06/2019 15:39

In my experience (teacher) if something makes you ask yourself the question it's worth reporting. You never know what the bigger picture is. Sometimes something small can be part of a puzzle that means something to the people who have more information.
I would definitely report to the school safeguarding team.

HollowTalk · 11/06/2019 15:47

I'd report it because I'd be worried about her.

RedSkyLastNight · 11/06/2019 15:48

If the student could access the building, then the school is open for students. My DC sometimes go in early to do homework when they've forgotten to do it

AlyssasBackRolls · 11/06/2019 15:51

My son's had to go in early or lurk by the gate when I've had to get an early train. At a "young" 11 I can't trust him to leave the house and lock up by himself after I've left so he has to go when I go, not ideal but it happens.

Original poster
LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 11/06/2019 16:56

Thanks everyone, Bertrand that's what I'm hoping it is and actually that gives me a good way to phrase things if I do mention it. I'm not a fusser, and actually don't want to make a fuss in case that triggers something that spooks her. If she needs to be somewhere else, I'm glad there's somewhere she can be.
I'm there at the same time 3x a week so I'm going to keep an eye out and will mention it the next time I speak to my son's guidance teacher (which is weekly, but that's another thread).

Thanks all

OP posts:
ClarkeMurphy · 11/06/2019 17:03

If the student could access the building, then the school is open for students

Not necessarily. Both my current and previous school were open from 7 for staff but students were only allowed in the library (from 7.30), the rest of the buildings were off limits.

BertrandRussell · 11/06/2019 17:15

It was quite funny, actually. We’re in a grammar area, and the grammar parents were so pissed off that the non grammar opened at 7 but the grammar didn’t open til 8.30. They thought it was soo unfair!

Mrsjayy · 11/06/2019 17:17

That is a bit odd are all the exams finished did she look exam age ?

RedSkyLastNight · 11/06/2019 17:45

Not necessarily. Both my current and previous school were open from 7 for staff

Granted I'm thinking of my DC's school, but if the school is only open for staff then you need a staff pass to come in. Otherwise what's to stop any old random member of the public wandering in?

Original poster
LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 11/06/2019 18:49

She got in the door (I watched to make sure the building was open). I'd say 3rd or 4th year maybe @Mrsjayy. Exams are definitely done, my DS has moved onto next year's timetable.

OP posts:
WindsweptEgret · 11/06/2019 19:36

My DS has gone in early to the library to print off homework when the printer is out of ink, it's open from 8 at his school.

LoisLittsLover · 11/06/2019 19:40

I used to be dropped of at 77:30 each morning on my mum's way to work - no other transport options. I just sat and did my homework. Same as being at hkme unattended in the morning at 13/14 which isn't an issue unless some sen

Girlofgold · 11/06/2019 19:45

Could be a project or anything drawing her in early. But it could also be a situation where a young person might need support.

Mrsjayy · 11/06/2019 19:47

Maybe got dropped off early or something I am really a worrier/bit nosey I would mention it to the guidance teacher.

gluteustothemaximus · 14/06/2019 21:15

All my safeguarding training says if something doesn't feel right, report it

Agree.

Comefromaway · 14/06/2019 21:19

My dh used to do this as a kid. He didn’t have a piano at home at the time so used to go in to practise.

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