can changing a child's school at year 2 ever be damaging?

[vannah]

to the child?

Although our child is only 2, we may need to put him in the local (not very good) school until we can afford independent which would probably be at the end of year 2.
I've never really considered the option of a private school, but the schools around our house are either outstanding catholic and church of england (we are neither) and then there is one local primary that would worry me if I sent my child/ren there.

I used to teach across the primary age range, and can recall some of the new children that would arrive and settle in quite well but I always recall looking out for them for the rest of the year, as they often seemed to remain slightly 'left out' in the playground. But then my memory is pretty hopeless since having two babies..

Now as a parent I am on the other side and wonder how your child has coped with a school change at this sort of age, positive or negative. And if negative - did it affect the child in the long term?

thankyou
(might post in primary too)

we're moving our children next year when dd will be just starting Y3 and ds starting reception...

we've just been and seen their new school again this last week, actually, and the head was saying in her exp the children are so resiliant to change, it's the parents who find it daunting.

I'm daunted, definitely!

it kind of "helps" that dd isn't particularly delighted with her current school anyway.

I moved DD1 from prep school to local village primary at the beginning of Year 2 and it was the best thing I ever did. She is much happier, more confident and settled in very well - in fact her social circle is wider, there being more children to choose from. The pastoral care is superior and it is not just the children whose parents shout loudest who get attention!! Academically she still does well and DD2 who has been at the primary since reception is doing just as well as her sister did at prep school at the same stage. I'd happily move them again if I needed to for any reason, children are very resiliant and if you don't show your worry and make sure he still sees his old friends I am sure it will be fine. I have learnt however, that just because you pay it doesn't always make it better and will remember this when choosing their secondary schools.