How best do I settle DD into a new school in a new area? Who has done it and managed it successfully? Please share your ideas here.

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Dh starts a new job in Sept and we are moving to a new county in the summer. DD is currently in reception. She could start her new school at the beginning of Year 1 or I am toying with the idea of moving in June so she could do the last month of reception in her new school.

What do people think?

The county we are moving to has staggered entrance for reception children so the summer birthdays will be starting school after Easter. This means I doubt there will be a settled class dynamic by June and DD might easily adjust. Or do you think it is a bad idea? If she can spend a few weeks in her new school, she might feel settled by the summer holidays rather than worrying all summer about starting a new school.

It would be nice to arrange some playdates with children from her school before the summer holidays but how would I go about that? Would I wait until DD mentions a name from her new school? Or could I ask the teacher to suggest someone or would I just have to be very brave and froward in the school playground and desperately put myself out there for anyone to take pity on me?

I'm probably more worried about me ending up billy-no-mates than my daughter.

if you can i would move her earlier so that she settles in before the summer break and so that you get the chance to meet friends for her and you...you may be lucky and get to the new school in time for sports day/summer fayre/parents evening.....
hope the move goes well x

Thank you. Anyone else?

Hi, I'm moving my DS, who is currently in reception, to a new school too. We had the choice between moving him in September or at the start of next term and have gone for next term. Our reasons are a) we'd like him to settle into the class before the summer break and get to know a few children so we can invite a few over during the holidays and b) I've been told by a friend of mine who is a teacher that it is a big step, in terms of school work, between reception and year 1, so we figure it will be easier for him if he can settle into a new place first and then get used to the slightly harder work in year 1, rather than having to do both at the same time. Hope this makes sense, and good luck with the move!