Not happy with dd's new school.

[Rocklover]

Hi,

I moved with my 5yo dd from Oxfordshire to Devon to live with my new(ish) partner and had to take her out of school (reception class) the half term before the end of the summer term.

She has adapted well to the school, although is fretting that she hasn't made any firm friends yet, but I am not entirely sure the school is right for her.

It has a very good reputation and a good Ofsted report, but is very different from her previous school. At the last school she wore uniform and it was a fairly structured learning atmosphere, at this school there is no uniform and the teaching style is very laid back.

Dd was beginning to read well before we moved, but during the 6 weeks she was in reception at this school she had no reading books at all and her skills are slipping quite significantly.

Also there is a fairly "hippyish" air around the school, many parents are definitely of the hippy/surfer variety, which is definitely nothing like me. As a conseqence alot of the children seem quite different from dd and I'm worried this is holding her back from making friends (as well as me not knowing anyone). I think I know I am being slightly irrational, but I can't help it as I have a gut feeling about it. The school nearer to us that was my first choice is very popular and over subscribed, so to be honest I have nowhere else to send her (the other choice of school is not good at all so won't consider it).

I need to speak to the teacher, but I am not sure what to say really. Sorry about the long post, but I just wondered if anyone else had been in a situation like this and how did you deal with it?

I think its quite normal that in the last 6 weeks before finishing for the summer holidays there is an easing up on homework/reading books. I don't really agree with it but DD has been to 2 different primary schools and is now in Yr 5 and I have noticed it every year.

So wait and see how things are i nthe next couple of weeks, if you're not happy then talk to the teacher. Just start the conversation asking how the teacher thinks your DD is settling in, does she seem happy, how's reading going, then slip in "why no reading book". See what the teacher says.

If they get a good Ofsted then Ofsted must be happy with how they're bringing children on.

When my DD moved school it took her a couple of terms to make good friends. You need to invite other kids back for tea so your DD gets chance to know them better.

Invite other kids back to play. Go to any coffee morning etc you can, speak to Mums in the playground. Talk to the teacher about progress in a month or so.

My DC go to quite a laid back school, but kids there do well academically. In fact when it was more laid back they did even better (changes of staff have change the atmosphere a bit). You need to help her keep reading and working on her sounds.

However after 3 kids and years of school; second half of the summer term is always laid back and relaxed. See how things go this term, especially as she is moving into year 1, which can be quite a contrast to reception.

Thanks Viva, I think you're right and I do need to wait and see how it goes.

Re asking children back to ours, I would like to do that, but dd goes to school in a village so I have to drive her there, what are the logistics of getting another child back to my home in a car. Would the parent supply a car seat?

Also I don't know anyone myself yet and I am not great at just walking up to parents and starting a conversation, how do you get used to that? I also am going to try and join the PTA so that I can make new friends in the hope that helps, although being 19 weeks pregnant at the moment (and feeling crappy), I am not sure how much help I would be lol.

Re having children back to play when you drive to school - yes, either get a spare basoc booster seat, or ask the other parent for one when you see them in the morning. DD1 is at a rural school and there are always carseats being handed over etc (or even taken into school and stored in the cloakroom).

Good luck - I'm sure it's early days!

I think getting a spare bnooster seat for the car would be the most sensible idea, along with a seatbelt clip etc.

I have been busy trying to arrange some after school activities for dd as well, so just waiting to receive details on swimming lessons, dance classes and the nearest Rainbows group.

I will ask about who to contact to join the PTA when I pick dd up later, as the school have not supplied any names or numbers on the website.