Out of catchment school and help with travel costs?

Jet

I think I am right in saying that if a child goes to a secondary school out of the local catchment area the parents are expected to fund the cost of travel?

The government is supposed to be giving us all a choice on where to send our children but the reality is unless I move home out of the area I have no choice but to send my son (currently yr 4) to the local comprehensive which has only recently been taken off special measures. Fares to other schools are at least £100 per month and as I am a single parent working part time, currently receiving a top up on my salary with child and working tax credit, it's not something I can afford to fund as well as uniforms and the other associated costs as children get older.

I appreciate that at secondary school age, I will probably be working full time as childcare won't be such an issue but I still think I will struggle to fund the travelling costs.

If anyone knows any different to the above - please let me know.

Hapless_2

tbh, if you choose to send your child to a school outside the catchement area then you should have to pay the costs. If you can't afford it he will have to go to the nearest school to you. There may be parental choice in schools, but how they get there is up to you I'm afraid.

MATH

Why should other tax payers fund your child costs because you choose not to send him/her to the nearest available school? It isn't their responsibility and they haven't had a part in making the choice.

I understand what you are saying, that a choice offered isn't a choice if you can only afford one option but such is life! We all have many choices where we cannot afford all of the options and if you cannot afford to fund the travel then you shouldn't do it.

With regard to the school only just being out of special measures (my eldest's school is in the same situation) all I can say is, there is no better time to send your kid to this school than now. He/she will benefit from the extra resources, teachers, higher standards, the dead wood and poor practice being dredged out. It doesn't matter that it was a bad school providing it is a good school while he/she is there. My eldest son's school is a different place now compared to what it was and my friends with older children wish they were in my possition with children moving into the new and improved school.

a1969baby

Hi Jet

I can appreciate what you are saying as both my children are lucky enough to attend a fab grammar school in the next county to me and yes, I do have to fund their bus fares, which amounts to about £25.00 per week (although my son now drives, so I haven't had to pay for it for a few months)

In my mind, the extra money I've had to pay out has more than reaped rewards, so if you feel you would prefer your son to go to this school then I'm sure you will find the extra pounds somewhere, although things may be very tight!

Would your sons dad be willing to help you out at all? Or perhaps look into getting a 'season ticket' for the bus as this may work out cheaper? Remember too that its not for 52 weeks of the year.. I always love the school holidays because there's no bus fares to pay for!!