separating twins - first day today

[LaLoose]

My twins went into Year 2 this morning. My son had to be put into a separate class from his sister (school policy); they couldn't do it last year due to our late joining and there being no spaces (so they were in the same Year 1 class, but only due to circumstance). I think it's a good idea to separate them, as well. But...

He was fine about it... until this morning. He went white and floppy, hid his face away and needed hugging constantly. No tears - but only because he didn't want to be seen crying, I think. He also said he was scared.

Help. How do I handle this at pick-up? Will he feel victimised because it was him who had to move (the school made the choice of which twin to move). What if he doesn't settle in? He has lots of friends in the other class, where his sister still is.

Schools are not allowed to have policies to separate twins. It is the parents right to choose. If you want them together you could contact Tamba who will point you in the right direction.

TAMBA are campaigning against this: www.tamba.org.uk/blog

I hope that things improved LaLoose. My ID twin girls went into separate classes for the first time on Thursday as well, year 4.

For the first time ever they didn't watch each other all day, they didn't even meet at lunchtime as they were in different sittings.

I picked them up at the end of the school day, they gave each other a massive hug and have been inseparable ever since!

It is a massive new challenge for them.

I'm a teacher (y1) and taught one half of two sets of twins last year and they blossomed. He will be fine.

I'm a little at the policy though. Each case should be assessed on an individual basis after being discussed with the parents. Imo, it's awful that he's been the only child that's had to move classes. Not quite so bad if everyone was being mixed. Did you have any say?

I thought they couldn't have a policy, unless you're not in the UK?

Mine are going into the same class as it's a single form entry school but the 'policy' in larger schools in this LA is to work with parents to decide to split or keep them together.

Thanks everyone.

I'm not sure if 'policy' is the correct word, but it is definitely strongly encouraged!

He seems fine now, though more huggy than usual which is a bit of a worry. We will see.

Yes I am worried he will feel hard-done-by as well, but no sign of that so far... Thanks again.