To change daughters school even though she doesn't want to leave?

[emma2939]

Just that really
My gut feeling is telling me this isn't the right school for her.
The latest ofsted is quite bad, states they are low on results nationally, they lied to my daughters speech therapist, and my daughter has told me she has been smacked and punched in school, I mentioned this to a teacher who said would keep an eye but I have never been spoken to or reassured at all. I would have thought they would tell me they are at least watching. I've gently asked my daughter if she would like to try another school (only pre school at mo) but she says she doesn't want to. The school I'm thinking of has a few places remaining and I hear really good things about it on social media. Would you let her start reception and see how she goes or move her before it all begins. I'm also scared the grass isn't greener but I can't shake the sick feeling in my stomach.

Listen to your gut on this, move her.

Do it. She is very young! I have teens now I chose their schools for them based on my view of the best fit. It's worked well!

You're the parent - it should be your decision.

She’s in pre-school, she’s far too young to understand anything other than playing with her friends so she shouldn’t get a say. And from what you’ve said the school sounds horrendous, if you have the opportunity to move her then I would do so without hesitation.

Gut feelings are important.

Have you been to the other school? Actually been round and tried to envisage your dd there?

I’ve seen a LOT of schools (3 dc, all with varying SN), and my gut instinct has always been right. We have had to try schools we didn’t really want to (to prove they weren’t the right placement for Statementing), and again, gut instinct proved correct.

You know your child best. Can you ‘see’ her in her current school - relaxed, happy, progressing? Likewise in the other school you want to try.

Walk around, get a feel for whether she will actually fit in (as opposed to be accepted as a pupil, but potentially overlooked, needs not met etc)

At that age you make the decision. If she was in ks2 then they would be different. If they can't get it right in pre-school where there is a higher staff:pupil ratio then I dread to think what they will be like further up the school.

Thanks all, no I haven't walked around yet I'm going to ring tomorrow and request it. This school once had a fantastic reputation, I can't believe how bad it has turned out. I started feeling off about it a few months ago but by then the deadline had passed, I thought maybe I would get offered my second choice (the one I'm thinking of moving her to) but no such luck.

I originally thought she was a teenager and could understand why you would be hesitant to move her as it can be difficult socially at that age. However, in your case I would absolutely move her before reception starts - they are all so adaptable at that age plus they will all be new at the same time even if they are moving up from the attached pre school.