Completely lone parent - relocating

[Missy5678]

Hi

Please can I get advice on how to relocate as a completely lone parent?

I have been offered a job quite far away from where we currently live. Massive promotion, less hours, more money, more progression. No brainer in terms of accepting the role. Would need to move in order to do drop offs and pick ups.

However, I am a lone parent. Just me and my DS. No support here or in new location. Father completely absent, physically and financially. No family.

How do I go about finding new schools, managing transition to new school, changing jobs, finding new childcare, renting somewhere without having three months payslips etc?

I don't know. I've made plans, researched schools and areas, planned a new budget, but aaarrghhh it seems such a massive task.

Just looking for practical advice from people who have done it before please?

Bump

Which area are you going to?

Birmingham

Missy I did exactly that about 5 years ago. Same situation.

How old is your son? Schools wise I think it's handy to talk to the head of the PTA etc they are usually well connected if you already have a school.

If not then go read the ofsted reports and decide which schools you want to apply for as that decides where you locate in terms of catchment (making sure there are spaces first of course)

This is where I started. School first, rent in that area to make sure he gets in then take it from there xxx

Thanks I had picked a school that seems to fit him and the area is nice enough. Might ring them on Monday. Then rent somewhere. How receptive were landlords to single mothers on a new contract?

My son is reception year

Hi, I dont know much about Birmingham, but I've moved twice as lone parent. I chose where I wanted to live first based on local school, then took first available house that came up. I used a man with a van..I had to help with lifting n moving but it wasnt too bad, and saved me money. I later found our our local housing charity where I bought furniture from had started doing house moves at cheap prices. So worth finding out and asking if they can help. If your on benefits there might be interest free loans you can apply for to help with cost of moving, ask at benefits office.

I asked a nice neighbour to look after my DS for a day as a one off while I moved everything.

I scoured big shops for old boxes to pack.

I helped DS adjust by talking about our new home and all the exciting things about moving, letting him say goodbye to his old room etc.

Oh and lists. Lots of lists!

Re childcare ask head teacher at new school...there will be childminder who does school runs already that they will likely know.

Re landlords. ..shouldn't discriminate lone parents, they can check (as would with everyone) your financially able to pay rent.

It's hard work moving on your own, but very rewarding :) hope it goes well for you and that you find some support locally in your new area. I couldn't survive without support of some very kind people...just the emotional support more than anything.

mobile.gingerbread.org.uk/default.aspx

How far are you moving? Will your new company help with relocation?

Join Mumsnet Local to the new area...you can learn lots about schools and other things there.

In terms of your new contract and being single, show your last payslips from your current job and something offical from your new job...something which shows what your earnings will be. Let them know how long you were in your last job too...put more than you need to in the proof of income area of the applications for new property.

My biggest tip in terms of securing the rental you want is to offer more money. Even slightly more...like an extra tenner a week or whatever you can afford, can tip the balance.

I moved to a new area when DS was 18 months old.

Its tough ..You have to put yourself in situations to make friends yourself.. I did parent toddler groups, but as parent of older child, put your DS's name down for beavers, weekend clubs where you get to meet people.Parks are also good for chatting.

RE childminder..If you go on local council website and put in childminders you should get a list of local childminders or childcare.co.uk sometimes list schools they cover, does school have before and after club?

Also local FB groups are good for info and private rents.

Birmingham is a great place for kids and there are some very good schools - depends on where you are and what you can afford.
There is a list on Birmingham.gov.uk of childminders and providers - lots of schools with breakfast clubs and after school clubs too.
I live just outside the city so if you need any advice on location let me know.