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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Moving area this summer, 3rd setting for reception child

16 replies

Schooldinners1 · 27/05/2023 15:55

It wasn’t planned but our youngest will be starting reception this September in a new school. We will be moving to a totally new area during the summer.

This will be the 3rd permanent setting my youngest will be in. There currently been in two different preschools but in the same area.

We also did a stint when they were 1 at a private nursery for a month which I removed them from and a couple of holiday/after school clubs.

I feel a bit guilty for “the lack of stability” but it’s happened because unfortunately we had to just do our best in our circumstances.

Has anyone been in a similar position? I plan on this summers move being the final one and it being the permanent primary school.

I guess I’m just hoping with another move I have not caused any permanent disadvantage/harm.

OP posts:
Lilacsparkles · 27/05/2023 15:58

I’m a teacher and taught reception for many years. They will be absolutely fine I promise! ☺️

CatsOnTheChair · 27/05/2023 16:09

DS2 did three different schools in Reception.
He's fine - at secondary now. The fact that school 2 was awful, and school 3 amazing probably helped (and is why we made the final move - first move was due to relocating).
DS1 did the same changes in Y2.
Both then started a 4th primary 4 years later.

Original poster
Schooldinners1 · 27/05/2023 16:26

Did they struggle to settle or took it in their stride? From what I’ve seen after a couple of weeks my youngest seems to just get on with it happily.

But I did find the first few days were tough, not knowing the other kids and their names for example.

OP posts:
SparkyBlue · 27/05/2023 16:32

Will you be settling in the new place long term? We had an unsettled phase with several house moves within three years, we had to stay in rented temporary accommodation before our current house was available to move into and my DD loved the temporary home. However once she understood that the house we moved into was forever and we weren't moving again she was fine. She started primary school just after we moved into our final home and it's been great with no issues.

Dyerun · 27/05/2023 16:37

Yes, one of mine went to a child minder, then private nursery, then reception for one term in one school, and last 2 terms in another school. He was fine, it never even crossed my mind it was a problem to be honest

Original poster
Schooldinners1 · 27/05/2023 16:43

Did they stay in the school they did the last two terms of reception in or move again?

OP posts:
UsingChangeofName · 27/05/2023 16:45

I don't think that is particularly unusual.
I mean, all children will be starting new in Reception.
Plenty of children attend day care, then move elsewhere for a Nursery school year, then move to Reception.
(S)He will be fine.

Original poster
Schooldinners1 · 27/05/2023 16:46

I feel like when it comes to everyone around me they just did one private nursery then reception at their local school.

OP posts:
BeanCounterBabe · 27/05/2023 16:50

It’s just one extra preschool on top of what is normal for the vast majority. No big deal at all.

Blueskysunflower · 27/05/2023 17:16

Due to covid my child did about a term at one preschool, had six months off during original lockdown, did a term at a second preschool, had few months off for second lockdown, did a term and a bit at a third school based nursery, then started reception at that school. Child is perfectly fine, settled, has friends and is flying academically. It’s not what I’d have chosen for them but if you have a generally easy going child I don’t think it’s a big deal at that age. Lots will be brand new to reception and I’d expect the reception teacher will do some “getting to know each other” type stuff at the beginning.

hungryh1ppo · 27/05/2023 17:45

My 11yo has lived in 8 different houses, my 8yo has had 6 houses and 4 schools (mil family).

Your little one will be fine. My dc have loved their new adventures every time. My 11yo is starting boarding school for yr7 to give them some stability but for primary it's not an issue in my experience.

savoycabbage · 27/05/2023 18:01

I started my dc in one reception class and moved her a month later as it was so bad. Then emigrated to Australia at the end of the autumn term and she started her third reception class in January. Obviously we moved house as well!

She was fine. She was fine at the time and she's fine now she's 19. She just thought that school had finished like other things she'd attended like Tumble Tots.

BelindaBears · 27/05/2023 18:03

They’ll be fine. Anyway, what’s done is done, it’s not like you can change the past, so worrying about it is pointless.

PuttingDownRoots · 27/05/2023 18:07

DD1 went to 2 nurseries and 5 Primary schools in three countries. (Now on Secondary school, which goes to 16 when she will move again...)

DD2 went to two nurseries and 4 Primary schools.

In fact she's in Yr5 and just had the same teacher for more than two terms!

Original poster
Schooldinners1 · 27/05/2023 18:08

Nice to hear about all these kids who’ve had lots of changed and dealt with it totally fine!

OP posts:
Snoken · 27/05/2023 18:21

They will be absolutely fine! My oldest went to 4 different primary schools and 3 different secondary schools across three different countries. Absolutely fine to not stay in the same area and school for their whole lives. Moving around made my kids experts in making friends.

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