DS just started Year one - we're moving house which means new school

[Ribenababy]

We're about to move house and will be moving DS to a new school. He's fairly easy going and does seem to make friends quite easily....we've talking to him about moving and he's ok about it - say's that he'll 'just make new friends'.

As we're moving out of the area - if I take DS on a visit to the new school, then it will mean pulling him out of his current school for the day. Do you think a visit is necessary? If so, would current school be understanding about him missing a day or would they class it as unauthorised absence?

Advice please!

If you are sure that he will definitely be going to the new school (ie you have a definite place rather than just fancy it!) I would take him along and if possible buy his new uniform ( or at least the jumper!) so when he does start he feels part of the school rather than a newcomer! I think any current school would have to be extremely awkward to class such a visit as unauthorised-we would probably count it as holiday or educated off site!

I'm sure it'll be absolutely fine with the current school. I have never had a problem with this, and have done it more than once, with up to 3 children!

They should put it down as an educational visit - that's what they do at our school and then it is not unauthorised.

School won't mind - and a visit really helps the child to picture their new school in the run-up to the move.

Thanks everyone. I'll speak to both schools next week and arrange a visit. I guess even if it's just to introduce him to his new teacher and order /pick up his uniform bits, it all goes towards easing him in gently.