Reception child hates school

[Cindy87]

My daughter is in Reception. When she started in September she loved it and she has done really well academically. However, she has recently (last half term) said she hates school because she doesn't have any friends/none of the other children like her.

She attended throughout lockdown as her dad and I are key workers. During this time she seemed to develop a friendship with 2 other children, but since all kids have been back these children now only want to play with their old friends.

I've spoken to the teacher and Pastoral but they just said they'd keep an eye on it.

I thought/hoped the loving school stage would last a bit longer! Anyone have any experience of this? Normal Reception stuff that sorts itself out or something to be concerned about? I just worry she'll never make friends there as if they don't like her now they never will.

Or any advice from anyone who has been through similar - anything that helped the situation?

Approx how many other girls are in her class? If she’s in a full class of 30 and there’s a pretty even mix of girls and boys, the girls will change friends quickly, and I’ve found that friendships change even quicker towards the upper end of primary.
If possible, encourage her to play with lots of different children (i.e. don’t put all her eggs in one basket), have other children over for play dates when possible and read lots of stories to her about children and friendship e.g. Charlie and Lola: My Best, Best Friend. Even better if she could make a few friends out of school perhaps at Rainbows or dance lessons?

Thank you for your reply! Yes, standard 50/50 mix, 30 in class. Reassuring to know friendship groups change in primary school, she is our oldest and we really have no idea. I made a friend on the first day who was my best friend until the end of Year 6 😂.

She starts gymnastics next week so that will be a good opportunity for friendship outside of school. Playdates are a good idea now we can - once they're back I'll see if she can suggest someone.

Thank you also for the book recommendation 😊

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Definitely play dates. Also mention it to the teacher. Obviously you don’t want to be pushy, but most reception teachers are pretty good at mixing up class groups/pairings for activities to avoid cliques forming too quickly.

Thank you. I have told the teacher but she just sort of made a sad face and said she'd keep an eye. Play dates are a good idea 😊