when is the best time to move school?

[stromnessdundee]

We currently live in Hungary. Our kids are in an International School here. They are woefully behind the UK system. They followed the Hungarian system until May when we could stand it no more and moved so that they could go to their present school. My d is 8 and is in year 4 but she has only had 1 year's school (kids start aged 7 in Hungary). My s is 6 and has only had 3 months of school. Hubby's contract is up at the end of 2012 but he is adamant that we should leave in July 2012. Should we stay until the end and take advantage of the wonderful school that they attend with all of the extra help available for a little bit longer? Or is it best to move so that they can be in a school for the next school year- help!

My dd has just started a new school, and I think it has been really helpful to join at the start of the school year.

It's an adjustment whatever you do, so you just have to weigh up the advantages of staying longer against the fact that it will be slightly harder for your dc to start midway through a year.

I moved my DS in June - but he was in reception - I think I would be inclied in your case to look at starting them in September - there may be other new children, the teachers are assessing all the children anyway - and if you moving to an area with has limited places it may be the best chance of getting a place
Don't fret too much about them being behind - its just a different system - remember the first year of school -reception ie the year they are 5 - is very play based in the UK for instance

Thanks so much but what I really want is people telling me that moving later will be fine! I just do not want to come back to the UK. We have no home to come back to so do not know where we will be living. The Kids get expert care in their present school as they are very used to dealing with kids who have not been in the English system. In fact many of the Kids in their present school come there without really speaking any English. I have read some opinions saying that if kids start after Christmas it is okay. I think that it is probably me who needs to adjust my opinions/hopes though!
I may well have to give up a Hungarian Summer for a rubbish Scottish/English Summer.

You will have problems possibly getting into a school whatever time you move, as schools can be full after the "normal" entry times eg. Reception, year 3 (in some places) and year 7. Personally I don't think it will make a great deal of difference, and it will give you more time to look at areas, maybe visit, and find the right schools.
However starting school late is not always a bad thing, kids often make much faster progress.

I think starting outside of the start of the school year can work very well (did it with my son). At the start of the year the "new child" can go unnoticed because there are usually lots of changes at the start of the year (new teacher, new classroom, mixing up of classes, teacher having to get to know all the children).

If they start after everything as settled down, the "new child" is more fussed over and the children told to be friendly etc.

That's the social side - I've no idea on the academic side though.

Thanks everyone. I finally spoke to Hubby who agreed to suck it and see. DD came home ranting about having to do catch up lessons with the SEN teacher. She still has a long way to go and I think that we are better staying here as long as possible. My DS on the other hand could not care less and is doing the boy thing of refusing to read and or learn his letters. I fear a long and trying year ahead!