Changing school year 5 and 3

[Giddyuphorsey]

Hello, that's it really! We are moving house and therefore moving school. I'm a bit nervous. The school is a better school (by Ofsted's reckoning anyway!), girls have seen new school and like it but I'm just worried! Worried they will be sad/lonely/anxious.
I'm pretty sure this happens all the time and children cope, so I was wondering if anyone a happy moving school story?!

How far away are you moving? A new boy joined DS's class at the start of Y6 and he's fitted right in and is v popular and also v happy :)

We moved house and schools when eldest ds was year 4, all absolutely fine. No problem settling in at all.

Thank you. Only moving 5 miles away, so will be able to keep in touch with friends and hobbies will all stay the same. I think I'm more worried than the kids!

That sounds a bit like DS's new friend, so I guess it's not such a wrench!

DS changed schools at the start of year 5 from a small village school to one with 80 children in a year. By first parents' evening his teacher was saying he had settled in well and had made some good friends. You will have to do the legwork keeping up old friendships though IME.

Giddyup:

DD2 moved schools mid-year Y4. DH was convinced it would be a mistake and I was very worried but thought it would help (DD2 was very unhappy at old school due to two very domineering girls in her class). Fortunately, the new school has been absolutely brilliant. We've gone from a very sad little girl to one that's cheeky and smiley. Friends and family are constantly commenting on how lovely it is to see DD2 back to her old bubbly self.

We're still in touch with friends from old primary. But have also joined clubs at new school. She's got a nice mix of old and new friends and we're happy to maintain longstanding friendships as we expect many will meet up again in secondary.

Obviously you won't know till they get there - but most kids just want lots of friends and to get on. My advice is encourage your DC to join a few after school clubs - really helps to meet people. Maybe have a few play dates over Christmas/ half-terms.

Best of luck

Thank you everyone. Very reassuring . Fingers crossed all will be well.