Take to or collect from school

do_it_today!

Hi,
My son will start school soon and Im thinking of making a flexible work request to start later so I could drop him off in the moring; I just wondered what your experience has been and what is more beneficial? Taking them to school or being there for collection. We both work full time so won't be able to do both (childminder would have to cover the other bit) We can't afford to drop hours.
Thanks

sweetme

My youngest starts school on Wednesday. I'm lucky in that my position right now I can drop off and collect, but given a choice, I'd collect, you can ask how their day was, go over any home work, find out any concerns that may have arisen etc

izoomzoom

Collect - it allows LO to bring a friend home for a play afterwards.

GobbledyGook

I'd collect. That way you are there if the teacher or school want to grab a word with you and, although it may be different at your child's school, lots of children go to the breakfast club so arrive at different times so hometime is the best chance to meet and chat too the other parents.

do_it_today!

I have been thinking that too. There is the option of DH taking ds to school but I worry the school run would be really stressful as we have 18 month old too and might be too much for DH. Also like the idea of us all having breakfast together round the table.

bigmomma051204

If i could choose between picking up and dropping off, i would choose picking up. Instead of the "i dont wanna go to school" you get to be the "nice " one picking them up lol. Also, if teacher needs to speak to you about your child's day, they can do so when you pick up. IMO

do_it_today!

I hadn't thought about playdates. Parents or teacher chats

Spendless

Last year when I was asked to up my working day slightly I opted for 8.30-3pm instead of 9-3.30pm as I figured I wasn't too fussed where DD ate her breakfast but it was nice to pick her up from school and her go home with a parent instead of to childcare and your evenings seem so less manic with a finish time that enables you to do the school run.

Then I was made redundant and some temp work meant I needed asc but DD wouldn't stay in playground for 10 mins without me (she's 9 and at Junior school) so we needed breakfast club too, then the battles about her eating started, which had started a bit prior to me losing my prev job. She has a small apetite and was leaving some of her breakfast, so the staff weren't happy she was wasting food and concerned about her not eating much. I recently found out I am to go back temping at the same place same hours and am not even considering breakfast club this time round.

I realise at reception age you aren't going to be sending your child off to school by themselves, but you know your child best. Which would suit them and your family situation better?

marisco_2

Does your sons school run a breakfast club? My sons' school operates one from 8am to 9am, they dont provide food, just care and activities before the kids go into class. It costs me £12.50 per week for both of them. This enables me to drop them off at school and kiss them goodbye, wish them a nice day etc. Then I head off to work and arrive in time to start my day. Might be worth checking if a similar facility is available that you could utilise.

I work till 2pm and get to collect the boys from school also. If I had to choose one or the other it would definately be to collect them. I like to ask them about their day and take an interest in all they are doing and learning. We go down the park and chill out or head off to the library to get new books out for them. We then go home and make dinner together.

I am in a very fortunate position and for me it is all about quality of life at the moment. I see it as that they are young for such a very short period and I dont want to miss this time with them.

do_it_today!

I realise at reception age you aren't going to be sending your child off to school by themselves, but you know your child best. Which would suit them and your family situation better?[/QUOTE]

I just think DH wouldn't cope to well sorting both out in the morning which would result in a bad start to the day.

mishkanorman

I'd say be there for pick-up too, there have been many days when I have had to rush off for an early appointment and the class are always late going in !

Also my 2 like to drag their feet when getting dressed in the mornings and some days its a shout fest to get out the door on time, If i could avoid that stress i would