CHANGING SCHOOL AT AGE 5-6. ..how much of an ordeal is it for the child, in your exp?

[noonar]

hi, have recently posted about the possibilty of moving to a nice village nearby.

i am really keen, and so is dh. we currently live on a busy road and are really attracted to the idea of living in a semi rural location (this village has loads of amenities, btw). We are desperate for a change of scene, and can't bear to think of being in the same area till dd 1 and 2 finish secondary school.

the trouble is, I'm really punishing myself about whether or not it's fair to move dd1 from her school. (she's in her final term in reception).

so, what do you reckon? are they more adaptable than one might think, at that age? or is moving school a huge upheaval, to be avoided at all cost?

Are you religious? If yes then you can go to Church yourself; if not I would eprsonally consider looking at the next nearest non_Chucrch school, from experience

i am 'broadly christian' but resent having to attend church to secure my dd a place at school! dont want to be driven to such hypocrisy . it is the only school within walking distance.

I thought they had places at that school Nooonar? We were offered places no problems (more than we got in the Brighton schools!).

Have you found a house to move to?

We are still seriously considering moving out that way in the next few years, so may join you soon!

hi pollyanna, not sure if you saw my post from yesterday, but we're now looking at hurst!

My DD moved from Singapore to the UK a year ago and went from a kindergarten (roughly equivalent to reception) straight into year 1 at our local primary. She coped really well even though the change also involved her going from 5 half days to 5 full days, and she had 5 months off school in the meantime (we left Singapore in April and did not find a place to live/school for her until July, by which time the schools were closing for the summer!). I think they are VERY adaptable at this age, so long as you give them lots of support, cuddles etc.

oh yes I didn't read it properly! There might be places at D, which would be a shorter drive? We were in this situation when we moved last year, which is why the dcs ended up at the school they are in.

Have you found a house now? I think we will want a bigger house/garden soon and will then move out in your direction. Don't know what to do about schools though.

thanks mrsm.

pollyanna, we prob would get a place in ditchling, but its not a long term solution , as i feel that its important for us to be able to walk to school (i realise you cant do this )

hey, you couldve sent your dcs to ditchling, instead of paying all those fees

Noonar - I'm in Hurst every day as dd is now at school there. Do like that village very much.

My oldest son moved primary schools at this age - no real problems. Stay positive about the new school, assure him you will let him see friends from his old school (if practical).

My dad worked overseas and I moved primary schools (and countries) about 6 or 7 times. I remember the first couple of days at any new school were horrible and scary, but after that it was fine and I enjoyed all of them. I think it's much easier at primary school age than secondary.