Moving schools in the new term (year 1)

[Littleredhouse]

A place has just opened up at our nearest primary school for our son in Year 1. Currently he's at school in the next village, which is hard for us for a number of reasons (we have to drive then get on the train to work, no after-school facility, no nurseries so younger child at nursery in the opposite direction etc).

It makes total sense to make the move, but I'm so worried how he'll settle, particularly changing part-way through the year. He loves his current school and friends, and while he's an outgoing boy, I really hope it doesn't set him back making this move.

I'm taking him to see his new school soon and I'm hoping he gets to meet his teacher, but I don't know whether I should ask the new school if he should have a couple of afternoons next month to settle in, before he starts in Jan? What is best in these situations? Any advice much appreciated.

We transferred our daughter half way through reception (she was there from nursery, happy, loads of friends etc). We wanted her to learn French so we transferred into a bilingual school, which is half the distance then the other school. So in addition to learning another language, much easier for the school run! I made sure to make loads of play dates, put her in some after school activities etc. This way she got to know people and make friends fast. I was proactive on getting to know some other parents as well. She had a smooth transition. The first week she told her teacher she missed her old school. But her teacher was GREAT and helped her settle in. It helped that my daughter new a few kids already that had transferred from nursery. I was so worried about it, but it has been great. I think the best way is also to make it seem such a positive thing. Some parents make a big deal about oh poor my child etc and the child picks up on everything so they start worrying and feeling bad about the move. I made it like "we are so lucky you got in! WOW! Its going to be great! New friends, you will learn a new language etc). So she was super excited to go. Its been almost one year at the new school and my DD is so happy there.

In Y1, you'll probably find he slots in pretty much straight away. Friendships tend to be pretty fluid plus he'll have all the novelty of being the "new kid".

For me, the advantage of getting him into the school this term for a day or so would be that he'll then recognise future classmates if he sees them over the Christmas holiday (in the park or whatever). However ... on the flipside it's an awkward time of year as schools are busy with Christmas things and it may seem a bit chaotic for a newcomer.

Personally I'd go and see it by yourself initially. If you think it's the right thing, then perhaps take your child for a visit just before the start date and be hugely positive. As a PP has said, if you ask if he's worried about moving etc, that's likely to make him think he should be.

Moved mine (twins so slightly different as had each other although moved them from one form entry to two form entry and into different classes for the first time) 2 weeks before the end of Summer term in Yr 1.
We visited the school together one afternoon, they then had half day 'settling in' session a few days later and moved a few days after that.

We've had our ups and downs but now as we reach the end of the first term of yr 2 they are definitely settled and none of it was as hard as I thought it would be (I was more stressed/upset than them I think!)

I'd say once you've decided to move, better to do it asap. Could he start now? Gets to do all the lovely Xmas stuff (plays, parties, Xmas lunch) etc at new school which will help him feel positive about it :-)
If there is no good reason to delay to Jan, I would visit now and see if he can start immediately.

Hope it all goes well!

So long as you are happy with the other school move would be my vote.. Children love a new child in year 1. The younger the easier to move.

Thanks for the advice and reassurance - I feel better about it now. It's true that I'm stressing a bit and mustn't let him pick up on it. I will definitely talk the school up - I just need to find out what activities/facilities are there that he'll like the sound of. Me and my husband viewed it last year when we thought he'd get in and really liked it, but he's not seen it yet.

He probably could start sooner but I'm reluctant to move him when he's got his current school festive activities going on - he might feel like he's been dropped in at the deep end if he changes now.