Be aware of, and follow the school’s guidelines

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Many schools will have formal or informal guidelines about dropping off and/or picking up your kids. They can include suggested times, safety rules, maintenance or works happening, some can even specify quick drop off and pick-up areas to keep the traffic moving or no-go areas to help efficiency and safety.

“Being aware of what these are by reading the school communications and signage and then adhering to them is really important,” says mum of two, Meg.

“For example, when parents park in the quick pick-up areas it slows the whole process down and it can be dangerous for others around them who have to navigate around them.”

Obey parking rules

Meg also says that parking in the correct spaces is not only the considerate thing to do but it helps ensure the safety of everyone.

“I will often see other parents parking in bus zones, disabled parks when they aren’t in need of them, or some even mount the nature-strips when there aren’t parks left or across resident’s driveways. Even if this is for two minutes it impacts visibility and safety, it’s rude and not to mention in some cases it’s actually illegal,” she says.

Obey the 40 zones

“Speed limits are there for a reason, especially around schools,” says father of two, Matt.

“Go slow and be aware of your surroundings, especially as you leave school pick up when there are lots of kids around.”

Cover yourself

Matt also suggests checking to make sure your insurance is up to date.

“Automatic rollovers don’t always roll over and the roads around schools and their carparks can be a hotbed for bingles so make sure you’re covered!”

Carpool

Mum of two, Julie says carpooling is a great alternative if you can do it.

“Share the load with other parents who live nearby. It is better for the environment and reduces your workload.”

Walk to school

Or even better than carpooling, “have them walk to school if you live close enough and your child/ren are capable,” says mum of three, Maddie.

Try to stay calm

Driving and parking around schools can be a minefield at the best of times but if you’re flustered, in a hurry, frustrated or distracted it can also be dangerous. Dangerous not only for you and your passengers, but pedestrians and other road users around you, which at schools includes lots of kids who don’t always have great road sense.

“Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but I find taking deep breaths or asking my kids for quiet time until I can get out of the general school vicinity helps,” says Julie.

Arrive early

The early bird gets the worm, or in this scenario, a carpark.

“Perhaps the golden rule of pick-ups in particular is arriving early – anywhere from 45 minutes to 20 depending on the school, arriving early will definitely heighten your chance of securing one of the sacred, yet limited car parks,” says mum of three, Emma.

While not something every parent or caregiver can do and probably something that isn’t overly convenient for anyone at all, Emma says she tries to make the most of the time by completing some personal organisation.

“I’ll do my grocery list, reply to work emails, update my calendar, sort through my to do list and if all that is done, and the weather is nice I go for a quick half an hour walk.”

Communication

As your kids get older, many parents will choose to stay in the car rather than meet kids at the school gate. If this is the case, mum of one, Michelle suggests having a regular parking spot or general area that you always use.

“That way the kids will always know where to find you and you can stay put.”

Nine tips to navigate school drop-off and pick-up