2 Questions about DD1 starting reception

[oswald]

My DD1 had first bit of induction for January start at school and found it very upsetting. There are two forms and the only person she knows well was put in the other form. I like the teacher of the form she is in, dont know about the other one but it is possible I could have her moved to the class her friend is in . Any advice whether to intervene or not. She always takes a while to get used to new situations and people but usually makes friends quite easily. I wish she wasnt going to school yet I didnt expect to feel so weird about it and I dont understand the language of schools yet. Other question - I think I've seen another thread on this but cant find it - how much uniform do they need and would you put daughter in trousers or skirt and why. Thank you I'm feeling very indecisive about all the things to do and my DH thinks I'm barking to be so upset by it all.

firstly, she'll make friends - there will be other children there in the same boat so she won't be the only one not to know anyone iyswim if you would feel more comfortable knowing she knows someone, then i'm sure there won't be a problem with it. ime the two forms will mix quite a bit any way.

with the uniform, at least 3 of everything - 1 on, 1 in the cupboard, and 1 in the wash - more is good, but i think 3 is the minimum. now, i only have ds's in school atm, but i've seen the state of their knees, so when dd goes she will wear trousers, just to give a bit of extra protection

hth and i can't wait til the shift key works again.........

that is, there won't be a problem changing classes sorry, rushing as i have to go pick dss up from school.

Definitely trousers over skirts. If your daughter is anything like mine she sits with her legs all over the place. Trousers are just more appropriate. Not to mention they will be playing outside, and trousers are just more comfortable.

bump

I wouldn't move her personally .. if she has a friend in the other form they can play outside school too .. but there is a chance with the shifting dynamics that occur in any new social group that the 'friend' will become friends with other people

If you like the teacher then I think that's a good reason for her to stay in this class.. the teacher will be used to shy children and can probably help you with some settling in strategies

as for uniform .. why don't you ask what is the norm at school? you'd want your daughter to look similar to her new friends no doubt and if she's the only one in trousers then its a silly distinction

my dd starts reception in Jan aswell.

I would have a sneaky look at the girls who are going to reception already. Dd is in the nursery attached to the school and ABSOLUTELY will not wear trousers. One of the other mums told me how her little girl will not wear them either and apparently it is because all the little girls group together and all wear skirts/pinafores. So I would decide before you go whether you think your dd would be bothered whether she fits into the status quo or whether she couldn't care less - if she wants to fit in I would definitely take note of what the others are wearing. Personally, trousers to me seem so much easier (no tights to faff with etc.) but I would rather dd was happy at school than feel like her mother had forced her into something she didn't want. You know what little girls can be like!

And no, you're not barking to be upset by it all. After all, it is dd's first experience of school and you want it all to go smoothly.

Thanks for the responses - it's great to get some advice from people who've been there done that or are experiencing the same thing.

I agree that it is probably not worth moving your dd as she will have chances to meet her friend both in and out of school. She will make new friends easier if she isn't with her other friend. Although I expect the other teacher is just as good, it is a good start that you like the teacher your dd has got, and having the right teacher will be more important than being with her friend, in the long run.
As for uniform, my dd (just started in Sept.) has three shirts, three pinafores, one skirt and two jumpers and hasn't run out yet. My dd doesn't like trousers though. I would advise against buying pinafores. They look lovely (hence why I bought mine) but my dd has dreadful trouble getting them on and off. On PE days, I put her in the skirt and she much prefers it.
It is natural for you to be worried about what may, in the end, seem quite small things. The first port of call if you have any worries or unsure of anything is definitely the school. They should be used to first time parents such as yourself! Hope your dd is positive about starting school. Mine was counting the days from about four months before starting! All seems well so far.

As a teacher, i would advise you not to get her moved - a mother, move her!!
No resiously, i worked in reception for 5 years and often had this come up. The first few weeks are all about settling in and making friends. If your daughter goes in with a "best mate" they will tend to stick together and not bond with others. In separate classes, she will make a new set of friends but always have her friend at playtimes.
As for uniforms, trousers are better, but discuss it with your daughter. Good luck!

It's good to get a teacher's perspective I think you're right I need to just leave it as it is and support her if she finds it difficult. The rest of my family and friends are very amused by my reaction - not got to look far to see where her sensitivity to new situations comes from! I will get my head round it all eventually. Thanks for helping.