Cant drop off/pick up my son from school on time - West London

[TazzMum]

My son is starting at Henry Compton in year 7 and we live near Shepherds Bush / West Kensington. I can drop off & collect my son on some of the days but not all of them due to my very demanding job. I don't know what to do as I am a lone parent and cannot afford to lose my job. My son has never caught a bus on his own before and will probably be the youngest in his year (Year 7). Does anyone know of any alternatives or are there any parents that are able to share this responsibility with me and we could have a rota to help each other out? Any advise would be much appreciated

Isn't there an after school provision locally?

Once in comp abse his ability to catch a bus on his competence levels not his age. Some year 7's are hugely ahead or others.

Are there any other children in your area who will be getting the bus? If so, it would be useful for you to do a couple of dry runs on the bus so he knows where to get on and off. Get him a cheap mobile so he can contact you. This age is usually when some independence and freedom needs to kick in.

He will have to catch the bus. I know it seems hard, but he is old enough. Try and do the trip a couple of times with him before school starts as practice.

I thought you were going to tell us your son was starting primary school! There are thousands of children getting buses and trains to school every day. Does your son actually want to be dropped at school and collected? It would be unusual at secondary level. You had the summer to get him used to going on the bus and doing a few dry runs. Can you try to take the bus with him a few times this weekend? What care do you have for him when he is at home on his own?

he will be fine on the bus.
Bit short notice to arrange a shared lift!

I know it's a bit short notice but I have tried looking on other sites and have phoned various places. I have only recently moved into this area and the children here seem allot more streetwise than what my son is. I dont know a single child going to that school as it is the furtherest school in our catchment area and we didnt get into any other school on our list - I have appealed but have also been rejected.

We know the route well and I have given him a few trial runs on the bus (we did this before the summer started) but my son is the type of child that will let anyone come home with him and willingly gives things away just to make a friend (PS3 games, etc) - to be extremely honest his teachers have expressed concerns at him being quite "young" for his age group although his schoolwork is above average.

I never leave my son unattended and have looked into all sorts of child care but I just cant sem to afford it. Have looked into sports clubs but they all finish just that 1 hour too early.

What childcare did you use when he was in primary school?

If the clubs finish an hour too early, would your son be able to travel to your workplace to meet you? If you work nearby-ish?

On the days you cannot meet him, how long is the gap between the end of the day and the time you can get to him?

I suggest you look at safe "parking places" - is there a nearby library or cafe (ideally a friendly family run one) that he could reach without difficulty where he could sit and start his homework?

Can he stay in the school library until you can collect him?