would you move your y4 child in these circumstances?

[dundermiffling]

Really trying to guage if I'm about to do something daft.

My Y4 child hasn't been happy at school since Y2 - she was bullied terribly and then never fully recovered. She is a bright, outgoing child who has struggled to make friends and has gone from loving school and learning to begging not to go most days . Her class has a high number of behavioural issues which I think has a big impact as teachers are stretched and don't look like they enjoy teaching this class - very different experiences of the same teachers when they were teaching our eldest for example.

I viewed a school 5 miles away today, a 20 minute drive, and nearly didn't go as thought the journey will be a faff, went just in case and was pretty much blown away by the different approach. The school felt calm and children happy, teachers too! The environment was really inviting and they have a very robust behviour policy as a priority - which is one of my biggest issues with the current school which is devoted to making sure every single child however badly behaved is never told off etc.

I could really see my daughter being happy there. Is it too far? Should I keep hoping something shifts for her in her current school? Or do I make this change for her wellbeing and in advance of secondary school which I'm worried will be a huge challenge for her if she has to go there with her confidence any further knocked by her current school experience.

Any wisdom hugely gratefully received! Thanks!

Lovely to read this and see the updates! So glad it’s going well

Do it ! I moved DS yr 5 for similar reasons and wished I’d done it sooner . He was immediately excepted, happier and started yr 7 in a much better place emotionally

Ahh just seen that this is an old thread. How lovely to see that your DD is so much happier , what a wonderful Mum you are for supporting her and showing her that she can count on you x

What a wonderful update. So glad your daughter is thriving at her new school.

you should, the only thing to regret will be not doing it sooner. but she has two good years ahead, so make the move!

i’ve just read the update, not relishing the initial post was so old. i am so pleased you moved. and that she is coming out of her shell in this environment. woo! well done!

So glad to hear your update.

For you, and anyone else who may come across this thread in the same position. This is what happened for us in moving schools. Briefly it’s worth it.

I finally moved my child halfway through year 5. Which at the time really felt what’s the point. But the difference in the way the school behaved. Their leadership, had a real impact on the children and the teaching. It was amazing to see how much easier it is for the children to learn when they feel okay, safe, comfortable.

All the bullying, and awful behaviour from the first school had had so much of a negative impact on my child, that we didn’t realise.

Now, in year 9, with incredible emotional intelligence, compassion, they understand how they should be treated, and how to treat others, and stand up for others. So I’m super proud of them. But most importantly, they are absolutely excelling in school academically. The move was definitely worth it.

5 miles, 20 minute drive? Well worth it, in my view.

I'm speaking as someone who had a miserable time at school for a few years.

If the current school has poor discipline, it's not going to change unless you get a change of HT. I'm speaking as a retired secondary teacher.

Same.

I'm glad that everything has worked out.

@dundermifflingSeen your update OP. I’m so pleased your daughter is happy at her new school. How wonderful things have worked out. Thank you for the update.