Year one dd hates school

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My daughter loved nursery but hates school. I have no idea why, she says things like the teacher shouts, the boys fight, sometimes she feels lonely. Her school seems quiet strict? Are all schools like this? It breaks my heart she clings on to me every morning not wanting to go :(

Have you been in to talk to the teacher?

No not all schools are strict, Ds is in year 1 and his class is lovely and relaxed - more like an extension of a foundation stage class.

If you can't get to the bottom of it with the school it may be worth looking around some other local schools to see if any others would be better for her?

Yes the teacher said she seems sensitive and anxious, she said if I have any ideas of how to make school happier for her to let her know, but I do not have any ideas?? I have no idea what a school day is like

Presumably she went through Reception; and if so, how did she cope with it? Often, a Reception class is not much more formal than Nursery. How is she coping with the work? Are there things you (or MN) can help her with?

Unfortunately boys are often silly and rowdy, and one ringleader can set the others off!

Would it not be possible for you to have a few hours in the classroom, as a 'volunteer' to see what goes on?

Maybe she needs some help to make friends.

Children being a bit boisterous and having to be told off is a normal part of school, and in year one the expectations are far higher than they are in reception, so it's not unusual for a teacher to have to do a bit of behaviour management.

If your dd is the type of child that wouldn't dream of not doing as the teacher has told her to do, it could be quite overwhelming for her, but if she has friends to focus more of her attention on it might help her. It might be worth talking to the teacher about encouraging friendships and maybe the teacher could help you identify another child that you could invite over after school.

Yes she is the type who would never be naughty and sticks to the rules and gets upset if others are naughty, she cannot understand why anyone would be naughty and I think it makes her anxious. I will try and encourage some friendships that is a good idea.

I have a quiet and sensitive DD who has found the jump from reception to Y1 absolutely massive. She is not really enjoying having to 'do work' all the time. Although she has made massive progress just in this half term so I'm pleased in that respect.
Sounds daft but the best thing we did for DD was enroll her in breakfast and afterschool club (well, no choice really). There, she gets to relax and socialise with school friends in all different year groups without the pressure of the actual work. It generally means she's always happy to go in and she ends the day on a good note.

Are there any after school clubs she could get involved in?

The after school club is at the attached nursery she used to go to that she loved. Do you think that would help?

Only speaking from experience but yes. DD went throughout reception and made lots of new friends in all year groups. She loved having 'exclusive' access to the adventure playground on the school field after school and having hot chocolate and toast after school.
I took her out for the first term of Y1 as I wasn't working. She missed it, as has returned now.
The main difference is she skips out of school happily at 5pm clutching the art and craft she's done, as opposed to coming out grumbling at 3.10 straight from a hectic and noisy afternoon in class.