Reception Starters Support Thread 2024

ThatsGoingToHurt · 2024-09-03T18:51:44+00:00

I noticed there are support thread for parents of big ´uns but not littlelies. My DS is starting reception at a mainstream school on Thursday and I am so nervous. DS is in the middle of the autism assessment process. He only started speaking just over a year ago. I’ve spent over a year trying to potty train him and it’s only on the past two weeks he has learnt to take himself to the potty. The LA have refused to issue an EHCP and I am appealing. I wish DS was December born like his sister then he would have been almost 5 when he started school. I can’t belive my lockdown baby is starting school! So nervous!

BoleynMemories13 · 03/09/2024 19:56

I hope the transition goes as smoothly as possible for him (and you!).

I'm a Reception teacher, so happy to answer any questions anyone may have. Obviously all schools are different in terms of how they run and operate, so I won't be able to answer everything, but I will try to help with general queries where I can.

saturnspinkhoop · 03/09/2024 20:01

I’m glad you’re appealing, OP.

My child started Reception today. She’s in an ASD centre. She seems happy, but is pre-verbal so I can’t ask her.

Danikm151 · 03/09/2024 23:05

My son starts tomorrow.

I’m nervous for him but he’s been at nursery since a baby. It’s all change in one go but I’m optimistic that it will go well.

I’ve seen articles about how lockdown babies are different to previous school cohorts.

Original poster

ThatsGoingToHurt · 04/09/2024 06:21

@BoleynMemories13 thanks for the offer. I’ve been through this before but with a child with SEN is a whole different level of nerves!

OP posts:

Flubadubba · 04/09/2024 07:32

DD started yesterday. Was more than ready as the oldest in the year.

I do wish the settling was more consistent, though- one other part day this week, and part day one day next week before they start fully. Hard to keep trackman times and days!

Sandrock · 04/09/2024 09:56

We had an awful time this morning, my daughter went in crying and screaming. I'm quite shaken up by the whole ordeal.

Her school doesn't do any sort of settling process, they start doing a full day and continue there on.

She's been at nursery full-time since she was young.

Flubadubba · 04/09/2024 11:16

Sandrock · 04/09/2024 09:56

We had an awful time this morning, my daughter went in crying and screaming. I'm quite shaken up by the whole ordeal.

Her school doesn't do any sort of settling process, they start doing a full day and continue there on.

She's been at nursery full-time since she was young.

Edited

Oh gosh. That seems full on.

If it helps, any kids who were screaming at DD's school yesterday came out beaming. Fingers crossed she will be OK at pick up!

Flibflobflibflob · 04/09/2024 11:24

Sandrock · 04/09/2024 09:56

We had an awful time this morning, my daughter went in crying and screaming. I'm quite shaken up by the whole ordeal.

Her school doesn't do any sort of settling process, they start doing a full day and continue there on.

She's been at nursery full-time since she was young.

Edited

I wouldn’t worry, last year we had a really rough time with DD in a new setting. Mine was crying on the floor, it really shook me too. It lasted a few weeks but after that she skipped in every morning. It’s totally normal.

Chickadeep · 04/09/2024 17:09

Hope it all goes well for everyone, watching with interest as this will be us next year and I am clueless.
I hope they all settle quickly

BoleynMemories13 · 05/09/2024 06:11

Sandrock · 04/09/2024 09:56

We had an awful time this morning, my daughter went in crying and screaming. I'm quite shaken up by the whole ordeal.

Her school doesn't do any sort of settling process, they start doing a full day and continue there on.

She's been at nursery full-time since she was young.

Edited

How was her day? I really hope she came out much happier than she went in. I know it's no consolation and doesn't make it any easier, but it's really not uncommon to have a few children cry or even scream on their first day. Many do settle very quickly, once they get use to their new routine. Even those who take a bit longer to go in without tears are generally fine once they're in the building and out of sight and earshot of you. I appreciate that doesn't make it any easier to witness your child so distressed, but please know it rarely lasts for long once they see their friends and start to play.

Fingers crossed this morning goes more smoothly for you.

Sandrock · 05/09/2024 07:15

BoleynMemories13 · 05/09/2024 06:11

How was her day? I really hope she came out much happier than she went in. I know it's no consolation and doesn't make it any easier, but it's really not uncommon to have a few children cry or even scream on their first day. Many do settle very quickly, once they get use to their new routine. Even those who take a bit longer to go in without tears are generally fine once they're in the building and out of sight and earshot of you. I appreciate that doesn't make it any easier to witness your child so distressed, but please know it rarely lasts for long once they see their friends and start to play.

Fingers crossed this morning goes more smoothly for you.

Show quote history

She burst into tears when she saw us but her teacher said she had a nice day. She said she had fun and wanted to go back today, which is positive!

Sandrock · 05/09/2024 09:48

Today was much better, she was a bit hesitant at the door but went in without any tears.

Flubadubba · 05/09/2024 12:30

Sandrock · 05/09/2024 09:48

Today was much better, she was a bit hesitant at the door but went in without any tears.

Small victories are important. Sounds like she is settling already!

Original poster

ThatsGoingToHurt · 05/09/2024 21:03

DS was so excited to start school today. He didn’t like it that we dropped his sister to school in the morning and then had to go home. As soon as we got in to the car to go to school he said ‘I’m so happy!’

OP posts:

Flubadubba · 05/09/2024 21:27

We had a teacher meeting, which went well (I think). The teacher had already picked up on some things (all positive) from the few times she had meet DD, and was asking about them. She also seemed surprised that DD is an only child, as she is well socialised. Am taking that as a win!

Second day tomorrow (first day was Tues, but they have had small groups in Tues to Thurs).

BoleynMemories13 · 05/09/2024 22:32

Sandrock · 05/09/2024 09:48

Today was much better, she was a bit hesitant at the door but went in without any tears.

That's great progress. She's clearly becoming more at ease with her new surroundings already. Change is a major thing at this age. It's no wonder so many find it distressing initially but that's great that she's adjusting quickly.

BoleynMemories13 · 05/09/2024 22:33

ThatsGoingToHurt · 05/09/2024 21:03

DS was so excited to start school today. He didn’t like it that we dropped his sister to school in the morning and then had to go home. As soon as we got in to the car to go to school he said ‘I’m so happy!’

Great news. Did he enjoy his day?

Caledoniadreaming · 06/09/2024 09:57

I was lulled into a false sense of security by my DS - he's more than ready, has had settling in sessions and seemed to be really excited about starting school. He's also had couple of weeks at nursery of other children's "last days" (he was the last one standing from the school leavers cohort) which I think unsettled him initially but seemed to take it in his stride, even being excited that his school shirt is green. Then this morning, all of a sudden he didn't want to go - tears all the way in the car. I'm sure he will be fine but it really was a 180 turn. Not helped by Dad being a bit of an emotional black hole "you'll be fine" without recognising he wanted more reassurance.