We moved house over the summer holidays. It was the right thing to do for many reasons, but it meant my DD had to leave her old primary school after reception year. She loved her old school, had settled well and started to make good friends (despite covid!)
She's now started at a new school and it's VERY early days (today is day 3!) but I don't have a good feeling. Her teacher seems absolutely lovely and is making an effort to include her in activities but she says she feels lonely and nobody is talking to her.
I set up a playdate with a girl in her class which was absolutely disastrous, the girl made no effort to play with her and just ignored her. Her mum said she already had a really close group of friends and I'm just worried that it's all a bit cliquey and that friendship groups are already formed.
As an aside it's a very affluent area and the playground is like Motherland on speed. I haven't found the other parents particularly welcoming (I know that's not a good way to judge the school, but is possibly colouring my opinion).
On paper it is an excellent school academically, OFSTED outstanding etc but I'm just not sure if it's the right fit or if she'd be better off in a more nurturing environment. A place has just come up at another nearby school which is CofE and one form entry (like her old school). Another girl who lives nearby goes to the school and loves it, and my DD has met her and got on well with her - but again, I don't want to give this too much weight as she's only 5 and friendships are fluid at this age!
I guess I'm just looking for opinions. Has anyone else been in this situation? Should I be giving the current school more of a chance, am I judging it too quickly? Do I have grass is greener syndrome?!