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Original poster

Should I request to switch reception classes?

16 replies

Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:21

Hi all,
Hoping for some advice/perspective on this. My DS 4 is starting school in September, in a 2 form entry school. He has been put in a different class from his closest nursery friends, which I was fine with, but today he had a taster session and I feel concerned that he would be better off in the other class. His class seems quite boy heavy and there are a couple of boys who I know locally who are particularly boisterous. My son is always drawn to the boisterous boys and tends to copy negative behaviours. Whereas the boys he's friends with in the other class are generally a bit calmer and a better influence.
Would I be wrong to ask about the possibility of switching classes? I just want him to have the best start he can.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Zone2NorthLondon · 05/07/2022 21:37

You can ask, they’re not compelled to agree or initiate the change request
dont be critical of other “boisterous” children it’s a bit pejorative and frankly subjective . Best to just focus on your son,his needs
do emphasise the environment you think he’d do well in,and his strengths & abilities would be maximised in the other class. Discuss Your observations and knowledge of him
finally good luck and hope he settles in well

Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:41

Thank you. Yes I wouldn't describe the other boys as 'boisterous' to the school, and really it is our problem that he's also that way inclined and easily led.

OP posts:
turquoise1988 · 05/07/2022 21:42

You can ask if it would be possible to outline your concerns, but be prepared to be told 'no.'

I'm sure the staff responsible have discussed the classes based on what they already know about the children. Is there a reason they may have been sorted the way they have...by birth month, for example?

YellowHpok · 05/07/2022 21:44

My son is boisterous. He's also lovely, gentle and kind.

You're exactly the parent I'm wary of. The ones who can't look beyond and judge harshly.

Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:45

turquoise1988 · 05/07/2022 21:42

You can ask if it would be possible to outline your concerns, but be prepared to be told 'no.'

I'm sure the staff responsible have discussed the classes based on what they already know about the children. Is there a reason they may have been sorted the way they have...by birth month, for example?

Hi, thanks for the reply. I think usually they keep children from the same nurseries in the same classes, but due to a set of twins who are wanting to be separated they are mixing it up. I'm not sure the criteria for the mix.

OP posts:
Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:46

YellowHpok · 05/07/2022 21:44

My son is boisterous. He's also lovely, gentle and kind.

You're exactly the parent I'm wary of. The ones who can't look beyond and judge harshly.

Haha. My son is hard work and 'boisterous'. This is part of the reason I don't want them all egging each other on. I'm not judging others. I don't think it's in anyone's best interests to have them together.

OP posts:
Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:47

(And lovely and kind and gentle...)

OP posts:
turquoise1988 · 05/07/2022 21:50

I know you said that your son's calmer friends from nursery are in the other class, but that class could also contain 'boisterous' children from other nurseries, presumably? Maybe they are trying to share the load.

Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 21:52

turquoise1988 · 05/07/2022 21:50

I know you said that your son's calmer friends from nursery are in the other class, but that class could also contain 'boisterous' children from other nurseries, presumably? Maybe they are trying to share the load.

Yes perhaps - I'm just going by what I know of the other children who I know of in that class, but I could be wrong. I don't want to make a fuss unnecessarily.

OP posts:
BeyondMyWits · 05/07/2022 21:58

So are you going to choose which child your child gets to swap with? Or do you want the teachers to do that? For your child to move into that class, another child has to be moved out... a child that already knows they are in that class and will be faced with disruption and wondering why they have been picked out to move classes. Or does that not matter?

Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 22:11

Hi, my son's class currently has more children than the other class anyway. Maybe there are reasons for that. I'm not considering rushing in and making demands on the school anyway, but request if there is any flexibility.
This thread was just for advise and perspective, to see if I'm just overreacting. I did not intend it to offend anyone...

OP posts:
Original poster
Somethingvague · 05/07/2022 22:13

I think as parents we all just want what is best for our children. I'm not a demanding person, if anything I'm a chronic people pleaser, but it's also the most important thing I do to try and do my best for him.

OP posts:
fruitypancake · 05/07/2022 22:24

He will be fine, he will mix with the originals at break times and he will make lots of new friends.. I really wouldn't give it another thought x

Hersetta427 · 06/07/2022 11:36

You could ask but some poor kid will have to move over to make room for your son so as you haven't even given it a chance yet I am willing to bet they will say no as you have no real basis for such a request.

catbirddogchild · 06/07/2022 12:39

Be careful, I doubt you know much about every child In the year. if on the surface the other class looks like it has less children or calmer children you may find later it was done that way to balance out some extra needs somewhere in the class

BlackbirdsSinging · 08/07/2022 21:58

Friendships in EYFS and KS1 are very fluid. They change every 5 mins.

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