Moving schools...again?

[Gaggleofgirls]

I'm currently feeling like the worlds worst mum. I really regret the decision to move DD schools and am contemplating moving her back.

We moved DD from a school she was perfectly happy at, she was confident and had a good group of friends, although seemingly quite bitchy.

Our reasons for moving were the class sizes, the bolshyness of her chosen friends and that this might rub off, it's a very academic school that do very little to none extra curricular (big into maths and English but little else) and that the relationship between teaching staff is visibly strained. All of which we thought may have a negative influence and DD is in CR so decided to move sooner rather than later.

We were basically sold on all these things being different in the new school to only realise the grass isn't always greener.

DD is now described as incredibly shy, will not speak in a group or with the teacher. Her literacy levels have dropped to well below what they were and the class sizes are set to double in September. -This is all from the teaching staff, at home she can still read letters/sounds just fine and is happy although perhaps not as confident as she was.

What do we do? She's only been at this school two terms but I get the distinct feeling the teacher simply doesn't like her and it's horrible to see her confidence shrinking by the day!

Yes basically you're right in terms of schools A and B, and where we need to input.

I'd rather do the extra stuff than feeling the need to teach basics

Don't beat yourself up about it. I. A teacher and I assure you that children's demeanour changes when they change school settings anyway because they go from being very confident in the work and setting at the top of the earlier school to being at the bottom of the later school. Just like adults do when they move into a new job. Don't panic.

36 in a class is ridiculous. Some schools do try to get round it by having HLTA but they are not qualified teachers and ultimately the one proper teacher is responsible for the learning of all those kids.

Very English and maths heavy curriculum does not serve everyone justly. Where are our designers and technologists supposed to come from if we only focus on core?

My advice would be to talk to the new school about the issues but leave her there. In any case, the old school will have evolved and changed since she left and she would not just slip back in because two terms have gone by, a long time when you're five.

Talk to the school and ask for support for her to make friends. Support her self esteem at home. Have confidence in your first decision.

Logistically will you be able to get your ds to preschool A and daughter to school B? For the extra stuff you can do it outside of school. Plus friendships are so fluid at this age. My dd adored one girl for two years and they were really close friends. They're not in a different class and although friendly not so much now. How long was your dd at school A and how long at school B? Also would you send your son to school B? You probably don't want your kids in separate schools.

@2ndsopranos - she's very good, polite and helpful but quiet, extremely quiet. She won't speak out in class or small groups it will 1-1 with TA. She has done no formal reading as she hasn't shown us any signs of being ready, and is just learning to count to 20.
(School Bs teacher)

She was taught to read (basic CVC CVCC) at nursery. She was also described as incredibly confident. (School A)

I've only ever witnessed the 2nd description, even at School B. I prompted the reading/maths qus because I asked why DD didn't get a reading book home like others.

The whole fading into the background feeling is nothing to do with school size as school A is bigger. More the fact that as a quiet child within this setting she is being missed

Echoing what the other poster said - can you get your younger child to the pre school whilst your eldest is at a different school?

Yes they're neighbouring schools

I think you should move back
I would enquires if the school have a place for her first and just do it

Did you move back?