Can we still change Reception school place before September starts?

[Anonymous23458d]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice as I'm feeling really anxious about our Reception school place.

My son is due to start school in September and we accepted a place at a school not far from us. At the time, we felt it was the right decision, but since then we've heard a number of mixed opinions about the school, and it's made me start doubting whether we've made the right choice.

My son hasn't attended nursery, so starting school is going to be a big step for him. He is quite a sensitive little boy and can be anxious in new situations. Since the school applications were made, he has become friends with several children at the local park who will all be attending a different school. It's one closer to us and is also our catchment school. He doesn't know any children going to the original school hes accepted at, and I'm wondering whether having familiar faces around him would help him settle.

We've also heard differing views from local parents and people who work in education about the schools, which has added to my uncertainty. I know that every school has both positive and negative opinions, and I'm trying to work out whether my worries are based on genuine concerns or whether I'm overthinking things.

My son has already attended all of his transition sessions at the accepted school and met his teacher, so part of me worries about changing things at this stage, but another part of me wonders whether this school closer to us might be a better fit for him.

I'd really appreciate any honest advice.. would it be possible to change school now? I have tried to email but it says they have broken up for the summer. I really feel anxious about him starting the school hes got a place at and wish i heard all the rumours beforehand. I think my son would be so happy to see familiar faces at this other school.
Please be kind. I'm just trying to make the best decision for my little boy. If anyone has any advice id be greatly appreciative.

Why didn’t he go to nursery?

What attracted you to the school over the catchment school?

It sounds like he makes friends easily, so should make friends well at his new school and then he's also got his park friends too. I don't think you'll be able to change now, and then it would be disruptive once he's already started so unless you've got decent concerns and the rumours are true and bad then I'd stick with the school you've chosen.

@sittingonabeach He didn't need to go. I worked in the evenings then have been on maternity the last few years. He did start preschool last year but an incident happened which they wouldn't tell me about so I pulled him out after he became very distressed.
The outdoor provision attracted me to the original school. The forest school provision they have and the outdoor space is great. Thats what attracted me.

You can see if there is a place at the other school. If there is they have to give it to you. You should phone admissions for advice.

There are definitely advantages to sending your child to a close school. But deciding to move schools just because he played with some children in the park and you have heard some rumours about it seems like a big decision. I’d find out is there was a place first because if there isn’t there is no point in worrying about it. If there is, think carefully about what you want to do. Don’t move him again because he’s made some different friends at swimming or whatever!

I agree, it might make the most sense to send him to the school he knows about, has met the teacher etc. You liked it enough to list it first.

Is there even a space at the local school? The LA should be able to tell you. What kinds of rumours? What are your concerns?

In general I am a fan of using the local school. But I would be wary of switching based just on rumours. What kind of trip is it to the allocated school?

It’s a shame your DS didn’t attend any preschool setting but sounds as tho he makes friends easily which is a plus.

Clearly your child makes friends quite easily if he's able to form bonds with children he's only just met at the park, so I really wouldn't factor friends into the equation as come September he will make lots of new ones.

There must be reasons you picked the allocated school ahead of the local one, so I'd focus on that. It IS possible to swap, if the more local school has places remaining, but if he's attended settling in sessions at the allocated school it could confuse or unsettle him changing the plan now.

Be super positive about school whenever you talk about it this summer. He will picture the school he has visited when you talk about school and, when the time comes, he'll be fine.

Normally I advise choosing your most local school, as long as you like it, but your decision was made months ago so I would advise sticking with it now to avoid confusing him. As I said, focus on why you chose the school. Don't let a last minute wobble lead you to a rash decision.

If your child is anxious then changing him now when he has already done the settling in days, met the teacher, walked past “his” school, etc would be very hard. I think you are listening to too many opinions,(! 😀!) so here is another one.

Remember why you chose the school in the first place. Those reasons still exist. Take a deep breath, have the courage of your convictions , and stick to the original decision.

You can change. You do it through the local authority school admissions. They are open even if the school are closed. All schools have issues. You need to find one your comfortable with. I initially picked a school and accepted the place but then I did the walk and there was so many obstruction on the road I realised I wouldnt be able to walk safely with a 4 year old and a buggy. I contact the admissions and changed it. I moved my children recently (now year 3) because of bullying. Making big decisions feels scary. Its normal to be nervous and worried.

Call or email your local authority admissions and ask if he can have a place or be put on waiting list at the other preferred school

You are worrying over nothing if the other school doesn't even have a space.
I find it odd that you are wobbling now because he's played with some kids in the park - seriously.

Contact your LA admissions team and find out about spaces but just think back to the reasons that made you choose the original school on the first place.