To do list for moving back

[Figthefox]

We have decided to go for it and move back to the UK next summer. My husband will be staying in the US to work but will come over whenever he can. I’m going to rent a house with the children (1,3 & 5)very close to my parents and other immediate family. My husband ( a US citizen) works away a lot and I’m tired of not having any support while he’s gone. Eventually he will join us to live and we will all be there permanently. I’m most concerned about access to healthcare and schools. My five year old will need to start school in September 2018 and I’m hoping the local primary will have a spot for her! Does anyone have any experience in this? I know there’s a deadline for applications but we will miss that since we won’t be living back there until the summer. Will we be able to use the NHS? I plan to apply for US citizenship before we leave so I have both. Can anyone think of other things I should do to make our lives easier before we get back?!

[fatowl]

I'm also in the process of moving back, leaving dh for 12-18 months while he completes a contract

You'll be eligible for NHS care as soon as you are resident, just register with a GP once you've moved in and have an address

Once you're there, and request a school space they will give you one but it will be where there is a place, not necessarily at your preferred school, but you can go on a waiting list

Good luck

[fatowl]

Also if I am judging your kids ages correctly you will be looking at a Y1 place for your five year old? That's not a usual admission point, and will be counted as an in-year transfer (I think)
Check when you need to apply for a Reception place for your three year old, it might be sooner than you think. If you end up having to appeal for a place for your 5 year old, having a sibling with a place at the school already may help you. (But ask on Primary Education for real advice- there are some admissions experts on there)

[SandLand]

Which bit of UK? Englabdcsvhoolsxare different Scotland schools. Not sure how Wales And NO schools work.
If England, how old will the kids be on 31 August 2018?

There are several Facebook groups for Expats who could help you too. Ask if you want links. TOR forms for shipping goods over seems to be a big headache.

[SandLand]

Oh, and renting somewhere with no UK credit history can prove tricky.

[MissSnowdrop]

I am moving back too! Aiming for April time, so definitely in year admissions for dc aged 10 and 12. I will watch this thread with interest. Any tips most welcome.

[Snap8TheCat]

Also if your five year old will be six before the end of August 2018 then they will be going in to year 2. If your 3 year old will be 4 before the end of August then they will be starting reception class. That’s the one you might struggle with, getting them in to the same school will be tricky.

[Figthefox]

Great to have some company on this! I’m excited about the thought of going home but it’s a bit overwhelming! I should clarify the ages of my kids. My five year old will be six at the end of September. Will it still be an in year transfer if she starts at the beginning of the school year in September? My middle child isn’t three until the end of December. I’d be trying to get into a Norfolk school, in a small town. Initially we will rent a house owned by a family member so accommodation isn’t a problem.

[Snap8TheCat]

Unless children start at the normal time for starting the school (reception, or first year of any other school) then yes it’s called an in year admission. They will start year 1 so you won’t have much choice and may have to go on a waiting list if you have a preferred school.

Good luck.

[Figthefox]

Thanks for the information snap, very useful.

[Ancienchateau]

We moved back this summer to a crazily over subscribed part of the UK school-wise. I got the in Year admissions forms into the council the very day we moved into our new house. All my DC got places at their schools of choice and have been in schools since September. Happy days. I would advise you to contact the council now and get the forms ready to hand in the day you move in to your rented house. Then make sure you chase if you hear nothing by start of term..

[Figthefox]

Ancienchateau that’s encouraging to hear, thank you!