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The school rang me a few days ago to insist i stopped work to come and collect child who has been excluded from school.
I did put my head in the sands about this when the ex told the TAF meeting she had taken herself off the contact list on days that she worked as doing my normal rounds I spend a considerable amount of the day in a no mobile phone area so I did not worry over much.
The school contacted me just before I entered the no contact area...... doing a slightly different route so available for longer on this day,
Within ten minutes of being contacted by the school I had phoned the school back to say that I had been told by work that I must complete my round but could leave as soon as the empty lorry was returned to the depot.
I expected the school to contact the ex because of this but they waited until I arrived at about four o clock about 4 hours later.
My ex works about 15 miles from the school and does not drive so when this has happened before has had to get a taxi. My depot is about 30 miles from the school and by mid morning I am away with a loaded van delivering to pub and restuarants in the lakes.
The school made an interesting comment that it had to be someone credible that collected the child because of the exclusion. They said that meant one of the parents.
I work full time and the ex works part time and both of us are trying to protect our employment.
What is the viewpoint on this when I am not the primary carer and pay monthly maintenance. I want to help but do not want to endanger my employment.
Practical and legal suggestions welcomed
I have not had a proper consultation with the school about this yet due to half term if it does not make sense there may be information I have not yet been given
Hi there
If you are working full time and are not based in one place, I can understand why it would be difficult for you. How often does the school ask for the child to be picked up?
As you're not the primary carer, I would say the responsibility should lie with the mother generally, with you being called on as an emergency. It's also relevant that she only works part time, as it makes her more available.
Perhaps you can explain to the school that your job means that mostly you wouldn't be available, and your number should only be used in an emergency. Speak to the mother about putting her contact details back on the list too
You could also turn off your phone when you're working, or buy a cheap pay as you go and give the school that number instead, you can then choose when to switch it on and off.
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