Moving schools in Year 4

[User90121]

DD has hated year 4. She hasn’t gelled with the teacher. Teacher is quite old school and DD has inattentive ADHD, which is a bad mix. The children aren’t very nice, just low level snarking. Her best friend left earlier in the year. She’s now suffering from anxious behaviours and says she hates school.

I can move her but it involves having two different schools and complicated mornings. Another old friend is at the school but would be in the other class. I don’t even know if it would make things worse. Although writing it down I kind of think what could be worse! I would be daft not to try.

Has anyone else moved through choice? How did it go?

I’m assuming there are places at the school you’re thinking of moving to.

It sounds as though this is a relatively new situation since September, so she was ok in school prior to that. Or was there the same sort of behaviour from other children then too?

It’s difficult, because it will be more tricky for you and she won’t be in a class with her friend, although, presumably they can meet up at break times. On the other hand, she may feel better elsewhere. Has she visited the school or met a potential teacher!

@Bluevelvetsofa there are places just the one. It’s a popular school, so there won’t be a space for long. Both equally ‘good’ schools.

She’s going to see the school on Monday. I hope that will cement things for us all.

For me I think I'd want to be at least somewhat convinced that the new school would be better for her in some way. It's obviously harder having them at different schools so I'd want a reason for taking this on.

I know lots of children who moved to different schools in year 4. It’s prob quite a good time to move?
I think you’d need to see a few schools and make sure you’re happy with the new one though and also whether it’s feeding into a good secondary.
Good luck x

I really feel for you, have sent a PM.

She feels like she has no friends and the ones she has aren’t nice and aren’t consistent. I feel there is a culture of casual meanness in the class. Anxiety over friends etc means that she doesn’t focus well. Then feels bad and gets told off.

She is up for the move but I don’t think she has an understanding of what it means deep down. She is quite socially awkward but is really fun and playful when you know her. She’s a good friend to those she lets in and to those who let her in.

I like the ethos of the other school (C of E) and the head was so kind when I saw the school and cried about the current situation.