Moving DC to private school in summer term, how to tell her teacher

[Lolathepartygirl]

DD is moving to a girls prep school in summer term. We've told her current state school on her taster day that we were thinking of moving her in Year 1, however it looks like she'll fall behind the girls at the prep school who are already ahead with writing and maths so moving her in Reception will ensure she'll catch up before Year 1.

Would I have to approach her current teacher to let her know in advance? Or do I just email the school office (which I'm going to do anyway) and let them deal with it?

When she came back from her taster day, her teachers asked her a few things about her day at the private school and seem to make a big deal out of it.

Anyone has any experience?

Are you planning just to whisk her out without giving her a chance to say goodbye to anyone? I think that's really unfair.
You are focusing on the wrong things here imo

Teachers generally aren’t involved in pupil registration- the school admin manager will have a process for that. Just let the office know planned last dates ( though I think they won’t take her off roll until notified by the new school that she is on roll there).

I wouldn’t read too much into the teacher asking your child about her taster day- sharing conversations with small children about activities they’ve done is part of learning. I very much doubt that the teacher was fishing for teaching strategies , or for reasons to take offence.

It would be helpful to give the teacher as much notice as you can. If your child is working behind age-related expectations, then the teacher may be planning focussed support activities which won’t be needed if your child isn’t there.

Finally, it’s nice for the children to be able to say goodbye to class mates- with notice, the other children may be able to make cards/ pictures for your daughter.

Don't tell them at the last minute. The school may have a waiting list, with real children living real lives who are desperate for a place. Cocking a snook at the school by telling them at the last minute actually only impacts the poor children who may be sitting at home with no school place, or who may be unhappy in their current school.

To be fair you are not obliged to explain yourself to her current school a simple email to say she'll be leaving on x date will suffice they'll just send a confirmation and maybe ask if you want her report sending on??

It's a parents choice where you send your child not a schools - your
in-charge just remember that! X

If you are very concerned about the state school and the staff not managing poor behaviour etc you can report this to offstead AFTER your daughter has left and explain the reasons to them you've removed her

You are overthinking. The school are not going to be offended. Just tell them she is moving.

I’d do it after half term. If a child is in the waiting list it gives another family time to plan.

My younger kids went to a private primary. There were kids with SEN there and they were not better supported (often worse as to be frank, the school did not have the skill set to deal with SEN) unless the parents had the cash to pay for a 1:1 themselves.

If you decide to leave it to the last minute to tell them then just be aware that it wouldn't be unusual for a private school to request a report from the current school as soon as you accept her place.
Her current school may already be aware of the move.