Hopefully DS has a place at QMGS (he scored 364 and is pp) because we are having to move house in order to get him to school, my youngest to school in Wednesbury and me to work in Dudley with none of us being late. I'm now a little concerned about the start time of QMGS as I just read that it was 8.45. Do they have a breakfast club or similar there? DS can get the bus to school when he is older but for now I feel happier taking him myself.

Most secondaries open earlier to allow students in, especially if they expect students to be travelling in. It’s unlikely there will be an official breakfast club like primaries.

However, I know it’s difficult to look at your ‘little’ year 6 and worry about him getting to school, but seriously he will be fine. (Quite a number of us here have been there, done that, got the tee shirt). Take him for some practice trips over the summer before he starts. Trust me, he, and you, will be fine. It’s surprising how quick they adapt and grow up quickly, and most love the newfound independence.

Try here, under 'Supervision':

http://qmgs.walsall.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018_important_information.pdf

School accessible from 7.30 am, but staff supervision not guaranteed..

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Thank you. I have bought the house in an area where he can easily get the bus to school so I want the independence for him and he is very sensible. It's other people I'm concerned about. It's hard not to worry

thank you, that's one less thing to think about

My DD has been travelling on public transport for 5 and half years now, not just to school but at other times to see friends etc, and has been absolutely fine, she has even travelled independently into and around London. The worst thing that has happened was a Chinese student from Reading uni talked to her on the bus, because he wanted to practice his English and thought she was a uni student too. She doesn’t really like talking to people.
I know as parents we worry, but lots of students across the country use public transport everyday without any issues.
Nearer the time you may be able to found another student from the same school travelling in the same bus and they could travel together.

Hi

My son is currently in Year 7 at QMGS.

As I understand it, the pupils are allowed on the premises from 7.30am, and can sit in the canteen area until 8am. From 8am, they can sit in their form rooms. There is no breakfast club as such.

My son usually arrives at 7.40 am (I drop him off), and there's always lots of boys on their way in, even at that time. He uses this time for homework, reading or even to just socialise.

I understand it's a worrying time but they soon settle into a new routine.

Good luck x

Thanks everyone

My son is also in Y7 and is usually in school before 8.30am. He loves it as they're allowed in the form room, and there's usually a few of his mates there too. As I understand it, there are quite a number of children arriving earlier due to travelling/buses, etc.

I know it's easier said than done (as I felt the terror of my DD travelling so early in the morning) but try not to worry. You will realise that your child will end up travelling with other children and form "travelling friends" and soon will be quite independent in travelling to and from school. The darker evenings do tend to still make me nervous but I know that there are other children from the same school travelling also at that time and my child is never alone.