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Original poster

3 weeks in at secondary school and my DD has moved tutor groups and classes..she’s devastated

58 replies

Tinkie25 · 22/09/2018 06:04

DD came home from school yesterday and told me that her and about 5 other children (who she didn’t know that were in other tutor groups) were told by the HOY that they were moving tutor groups and here is your new timetable. My DD walked out in shock where she looked at her timetable and all her classes have changed too.

She is really devastated and spent the whole evening in tears. She is now away from her best friend and other friends that she made in the first few weeks. She was given no reason for it. (And she was too shocked to ask) She said a new girl has started in the tutor group (last week) and the tutor mentioned he has too many in the group now. DD said she is not struggling in the lessons nor has she found it easy. She took a maths and English test and got very similar scores to her friends in the class.

She was so anxious about starting secondary because a girl in her previous class had bullied her, but luckily she was put in a different tutor group and was never in the same class. Now her new tutor group is with this girl and she’s worrying the classes will probably be the same too☹️

She will also have a later lunch setting, so will not even see her friends for lunch.

There have been no issues with DD since she started, her old tutor even emailed me telling me how pleased she was to have DD in her tutor group as she had looked after a few children who were struggling and being overwhelmed. She really liked her tutor and found her really approachable, she has previously met her new tutor during transition and didn’t like him very much.

I called the school, but there was no answer.

I’ve emailed the HOY asking for the reason DD was moved.

I’m just gutted that my DD appeared to have settled in school and now she’s saying she doesn’t want to go.

Anyone with any secondary experience who can offer any advice.

TIA

OP posts:
Penguinsetpandas · 22/09/2018 08:09

I would let the school know and say she's worried as she is now with a girl that used to bully her at primary. I would ask why its happened, don't think its great practice though could be a good reason for it.

Starlings27 · 22/09/2018 08:02

I 100% agree this is not the time to step back. Certainly don’t make a fuss about it to your DD - tell her you’re sure it will be fine once she’s got used to it, she’ll make new friends etc. BUT also definitely talk to the school on Monday and try to get them to reverse the decision, especially stressing the bullying fear. I think it’s terribly bad practice to do this - it’s one thing to move a child at the end of a school year into a new class for the next school year, especially as part of a general reorganisation. But it’s awful to move a new yr 7 three weeks into her secondary school career when she’s just started settling, and make her have to make friends by breaking into already established friendship groups, especially when a girl who previously bullied her is in the new class and will have the “home advantage”, so to speak.

JellySlice · 22/09/2018 07:50

Definitely go in early on Monday and politely, but firmly and assertively, insist upon an explanation. And if you do not agree with the explanation insist that she be swapped back.

Absolutely unacceptable to mess around with a child in this way, especially a potentially vulnerable (because of the bullying) new child who has already settled in so well.

Penisbeakerismyfavethread · 22/09/2018 07:46

Honestly I’m not normally precious about this kind of stuff but as there is a history of bullying I would take her in at 755 on Monday morning and DEMAND to meet with the HOD. Get her moved back ASAP

bigchris · 22/09/2018 07:43

I think that's really bad

I'd ask to speak to someone urgently first thing Monday morning

continuallychargingmyphone · 22/09/2018 07:40

I’d say the opposite to pristine actually - this is just the time to step forward. I would politely raise these concerns and ask them to reconsider where she is placed.

DumbledoresApprentice · 22/09/2018 07:38

I actually think it’s really poor practice to move a child’s form group and classes without having explained to them and their parents why it is necessary. Kids in my school sometimes move forms but never without talking to the child and parents first.

PristineCondition · 22/09/2018 06:11

Step back
You can comfort and sympathise but It’s 3 weeks in just see how it goes.

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