Confident, bright child hates school

[Marinado]

DD (just turned 5) started Reception at a state primary. She always loved her nurseries, went private then state, and couldn't wait to start school. On summer holidays we were counting the sleeps until she got to go to school.

When we went for the stay and play session (40 mins) she chatted to both the teacher and TA, very confidently, and was disappointed that the session was too short. First couple of weeks loved it then got increasingly anxious to the point that for the last few weeks she screams every morning that she doesn't want to go to school. Every morning is an absolut struggle.

This is so out of character as she is very compliant so I don't think she gets told off, she loves learning, she is very social (she's made new friends in her class and a few in the other Reception classes).

I'm really devastated that she feels this way. She would not tell me why she doesn't want to go. Should I raise it with her teacher or is this part of the process of adjusting to school?

At parents evening the teacher had nothing negative to say about her, she is apparently doing very well, she seems very happy and she is very compliant.

I could have written this last year.
My son was delighted to start at school nursery but as the weeks went on he got more reluctant and more avoidant. It became a nightmare.
He would tell his teacher he wanted to go home though and he would have outbursts being left.

His main complaint was the length of the day. He had great friendships and relationships with the staff. But he hated being there because he knew it was for all day.

There was no change for a year and at the start of reception I deregistered him. For us that was the right thing and tbh it has made more sense as he has got older. He definitely isn't comfortable in big groups of kids. He's a true introvert and needs alone time. A school day doesn't suit him at all.

I think definitely speak to your class teacher. They may have some extra insight. I'm sure these things are different for every child. There may be some adjustments that can be put in place to get your daughter back to loving school again and lots of experience in coming up with options.

Good luck 🤞

@Libra24 I've reread my OP now and I can't believe the struggles. We moved her to a private prep from summer term in Reception and she absolutely loves her new school, she can't wait to go every day. The small class sizes are making all the difference. Plus the structure, very few, if any, behavioural issues in the class, all the activities they do like drama, music, lots of PE...it's like a different world for her. It comes at a huge cost but we unfortunately won't be going back to a state school.

All the best to you and your son x