BREAKFAST CLUB QUEUE FROM 3AM
SCORES of parents at a Welsh primary school started queuing at 3am to secure their children a space in a popular breakfast club next year.
Every year, Ysgol Y Berllan Deg in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, opens applications for its before-school breakfast club, which has limited spaces.
The breakfast club is a government scheme aimed at providing primary school children with the opportunity of receiving a free, healthy breakfast at school each day. For many parents with a long commute it is vital as it allows them to drop their children off early and get to work on time.
The school opened its applications for the next school year yesterday and some parents were so worried about missing out they queued through the night outside the school gates.
Front of the 130-strong queue was Annett Farrow, from Carmarthen, whose grandchild goes to the school.
“We have been on the road since 1am and got here at 3am,” she said. “My son and daughterin-law are on holiday so we had to come. If it gets them a place it will have been worth it. We have bought biscuits and crisps – the only problem is the toilets. We have been using the toilets in the hotel opposite!”
For some parents like Leanne Taylor, who had been in her chair since 3.30am, there is no back-up plan. She said: “I have two children, one of whom is starting in reception in September. I had to do this last year and it rained a bit.
“I had only moved into my house two days before and I didn’t have internet. I planned to bring my laptop and do some work while I waited. The police turned up and asked what I was doing!”
According to Ms Taylor there is no other option for her if she wants to maintain her career.
She said: “For some it is essential. I work opposite Tredegar House and I drive in. If I drop them off at 8.30, I won’t be getting into work until 10 because of the traffic. If I didn’t have this I would not be able to go to work – I can’t risk not getting a place, I don’t have a plan B. It is a really good school and I don’t think there is a fairer way to do it.
“The ones that are here first are the ones that need it most. It gets longer and earlier because the people who did not get a place last year will get here earlier this year.”
Another parent, who did not want to be named, said that in previous years it had been slightly different.
“It is a big talking point among parents,” she said. “You get a text two weeks before and then a letter. It goes straight in the diary. I have been doing this for two years and this is the biggest queue I have seen.
“I don’t know how a single parent would be able to do it as they would have to bring their children with them. In previous years people have bought multiple forms for friends and that has been banned because it wasn’t fair on the people who queued up. The atmosphere is much nicer this year.”
Some parents are now veterans of the process, like Julie Ayre, who works in Somerset.
“My child will be in year six so this is the last year I have to do this, thank goodness! Last year I was 125th and I didn’t get a place, but I went on the waiting list and got one.
“If I didn’t get it I would have to pay for a childminder.”