Hello!

Next year, I will be starting work, and instead of putting my kids in OHSC, could anyone advise whether my boys (yr 6,3,1) will be able to take a public bus home?

The yr 6 is extremely capable and responsible but that being said, is he allowed to ‘supervise’ the year 3 & 1 on the bus trip home?

The timing is such, that once they reach home, I will be home as well (as I work 5 min away from home). I finish at 4.15 and, their school finishes at 3.30 and it’s 10 min drive away from home. We are in Vic.

Will I get in trouble, legally?


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  • I suppose with a school bus this should be ok. I know of friends who did this with their kids and they were closer together and did so from year 1 onwards. It can also be a great teaching moment and can be seen in the category life skills.


  • Oh my god, no matter how capable your older child is, no way should they be responsible for their younger siblings. 3 and 1 they’re so young!


  • I can see lots of issues with a 6 year old supervising two younger siblings on public transport. I hope you found another solution to this


  • I see kids of all ages on public transport unsupervised. The only problem I can see is I would worry, no matter how close they are


  • Have a chat with the school.
    If it is a school bus I can not see it being an issue.
    If it is a public bus I suggest you find an alternative.
    With so many child abductions you just can not be to careful.


  • Personally I wouldn’t allow my children on any public transport without me. If your not able to afford OSHC perhaps you could pay someone to drop your children home for you – a school friends parent or older neighbour. Growing up my mum would car pool and drop other kids home and their parents would pay her $20 a week.


  • Schools bus yes, public bus, no no no.


  • there are some good comments here


  • I wouldn’t want to risk it


  • How did you go, what did you decide? I knew a year 7 girl who would go home with her brother in reception but thats one versus one.


  • I can’t see this being an issue. My 3 used to,catch the short bus trip to & from school. You know your own children, being a short trip I think this is fine :)


  • I think its too much responsibility for your grade 6 child to look after such young children on a public bus. Is there a relative, neighbour, someone you trust who would take the children home everyday? You could offer to pay if necessary.


  • What have you decided to do?


  • I remember year ones getting on the bus when I was a child, it was a school kids only bus though. May be different for public buses.


  • Have you sorted something out? I took the bus by myself when i was 10/11, though I didnt have the responsibility of younger children. Maybe see if a friend or another school mum can help out with supervision ?


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