Safeguarding

[sherrardk]

For the first time ever the year 7 kids from the village are going to have to catch the public bus to secondary school. They will then be dropped off and have to walk to the school on the outskirts of another village (it's about nine miles away). At the end of the day they will walk back to the bus stop and catch the bus home. In winter they will obviously be doing this when it is still quite dark/getting dark. These kids are not street smart in any way shape or form. A lot of parents, me included, are not happy about them doing this. We have a solution in the form of a chaperone (a kid who will be in year 11, will be a prefect and knows most of the kids involved). This chaperone will need to have his bus fare paid for (as he has a free seat on the school bus) and I don't think it's fair to ask the parents to fund this as they are already having to pay for the year 7's to get to school (this used to be free). Does anyone think I can use the 'safeguarding' card? The head of the secondary school has previously stated that he wil help, blah, blah, blah but now he is trying to wheedle out of it (it will be £140 a term). Sorry it's so long winded.

[Zacs-Master]

So you're proposing to put the lives of several (?) children in the hands of another one? A terrible responsibility for an adult, never mind a year 11.

[Tuvok]

Can you explain year 7 and year 11 - is that Primary 7 and 4th year (in Scotland primary is 5 - 12, secondary is 13 - 18 but can leave after 4th year when 16)

[Zacs-Master]

Very easily googled.
http://www2.redbridge.gov.uk/cms/children_and_schools/school_support_information/applications_and_admissions/what_year_group_is_my_child_in.aspx

[tonyav]

I would get on to the council about having the school bus stop moved to outside the school, sherr. They may listen if you got a petition up.

[bhg481]

What your children will be doing was the norm when I was at school. Why should there be a problem?

[Psybbo]

bhg, yes I know but it is a different world now.

[bhg481]

Yes, I'd forgotten we have Crossing Patrols now and better street lighting than when I was at school.

[sherrardk]

It's new here. All the other kids get free transport on school buses. It's just the year 7's who will be catching a public bus. We're in the sticks, no crossing patrols.

[Zacs-Master]

Are the parents of the year 11 pupil happy with the proposed solution?

[sherrardk]

Yes, it was his idea actually (he's my eldest).

[Zacs-Master]

Ah. Might have been better to appraise the AB community of that rather salient fact when posting your question.
I still think it's a big responsibility for a 15-16 YO. How will he (and you) feel if any of the younger children come to any harm?

[Retrochic]

'This chaperone will need to have his bus fare paid for (as he has a free seat on the school bus) and I don't think it's fair to ask the parents to fund this as they are already having to pay for the year 7's to get to school (this used to be free). '

Why could you not have just said 'my Son has offered to chaperone these children and we don't see why we should pay?'

Your son is not deemed legally responsible at 11 even though he probably is very sensible. Also an older child in charge of younger siblings often causes problems in itself.

Maybe you can now tell us why year seven are not allowed on a free school bus if they live in the same village as year 11's?

[sherrardk]

I didn't mention it was my 15 year old son as I didn't want to cloud the issue. The school transport policy has changed county-wide and now you only get free travel to your nearest school, not your catchment school.

[Mosaic]

...aaaand, breathe.
I think Sherrard was exploring the principles involved without personalising the situation?
Year 11 is a busy and pressured time, and a student may want / need to remain after school for extra lessons as exams hail into view. In addition, their exams can start as early as April, and they may finish attending school in May or whenever their exams end ('study leave')
So as well as the responsibility being a bit much, I would see the commitment as being potentially detrimental to the older kid.

[Zacs-Master]

Good point Mosaic. Can't the parents put up the £140 a year?

[sherrardk]

I've discussed this at length with my eldest. He knows all the pitfalls and has suggested a 'deputy' for the days when he can't do it. The year 7's may be ok on their own after a couple of weeks, I'm not suggesting that this is for the whole year. Personally, I would prefer a different solution which doesn't involve boy #1 at all but as usual everyone is not happy with the situation and no one is doing anything about it. Sit around moaning isn't going to sort it out.

[sherrardk]

Re the money - the parent are already paying £520 a year so we would like to explore funding this from somewhere else.

[Zacs-Master]

I would very carefully explore the legalities of your solution. You would need all parents to sign some sort of disclaimer to,say that they are happy for your son to be responsible for them and even then, should something happen, you / he may not be exempt from legal action. I know I'm being pessimistic but it's better to consider such eventualities now rather than when you're stood in front of a man with a curly,wig.

[Baldric]

Is there no Bus Pass wielding Pensioner with time on their hands?

[woofgang]

Baldric bus passes, I think, start at 9am which may not be early enough in the morning.