How important is it being settled in time for primary school?

[SamSeagull]

Apologies if this should be under education or parenting!

I have the option to move with my work closer to my family and for a higher salary. It’s the other side of the country from where we currently live. DHs job is flexible and he can move wherever/whenever. We currently have one DS who is 2.5. We would like one more DC.

I’m just not sure when to move, particularly how important it is to be settled in time for DS starting primary school.

Basically, we could move in just over a years time (March 2023), when I will have finished my training and DS would be 3.5, ready for him to start school at just turned 4 (July birthday). If we were to have another baby before then, I’d have to complete my final bit of training in our current location after maternity leave and we wouldn’t be able to move until DS is 4.5 (assuming I take a full year), obviously half way through reception.

I don’t want to leave having another baby too late (I’m 34) but equally I want to do what’s best for my DS. Do we put off trying for another baby until we’ve moved so DS doesn’t have his reception year disrupted?

My advice would be to finish your training and have another baby and move when you are ready. It literally won't matter very much in reception at all. Your child will easily adjust.

For state schools the on-time application deadline is mid January 2023. There may be a short window to update the address (check LA website) before allocations are made, but March is likely to be too late.

If you did put off TTC, surely it would only be for a few months? Or can you not undertake this training while pregnant?

That sounded sarcastic but was a genuine question!

Haha no I didn’t think you sounded sarcastic at all @peachgreen! Yeah it wouldn’t be too much longer - I suppose I was thinking I wouldn’t fancy moving while pregnant and also maybe wanting to get a bit settled in first so it’s not upheaval after upheaval in DS life! He’s a pretty easy going kid but I was just wondering what the effects of moving house, having a sibling and starting school within 6 months would have on him!

I think the reception class is the least of your worries, honestly work out when the move and training fits and do that. I wouldn’t intentionally put off getting pregnant either.

@LIZS

For state schools the on-time application deadline is mid January 2023. There may be a short window to update the address (check LA website) before allocations are made, but March is likely to be too late.

This hadn’t even crossed my mind that March might be too late. Thanks for the heads up - sounds like we are going to be in a slightly tricky time frame even without the complication of an additional maternity leave x

Weve moved several times with primary aged children.(army family) The hardest mo ever for both was 8yo.

Weve settled down for Secondary school.

I'd finish the training then look to move, unless you can move now before training.