In a class of twelve there'll only be one other boy (and DS is scared of him)

[climbanymountain]

Recently our well regarded village school has been criticised a bit. DS is about to begin reception and his closest friends are a) moving out of the area b)going off to private schools c) in one case going next year. We chose to send him locally because the nearest private is 45 mins each way.

Just discovered that there is only going ot be one other boy and he happens to frightens my little boy. He is very physical/agressive and as one mum said recently, "a bloody nightmare".

Last night DS said he didn't want to go to school if X is going because he always shouts at him or kicks him. I have mentioned this to his new teacher but she said vaguely that they would keep an eye on it. I'm not convinced. I really don't want to start searching around for a new school.

Will it be a composite class with Year 1, or just reception?

Are there any other state options between you and the 45minnute drive?

It's reception so yes, he will combine later on I guess. Yes there are lots of other state schools but he doesn't know anyone at any of them. Also our village school is literally a few minutes walk from the house. The next nearest is 15 mins by car.

Not knowing anyone else in the class at another school is surely not a problem in reception - this is the case for lots of children. I can see this is a tricky problem so for you, but clearly you're concerned about this, so I think you're right to be considering other options.

Not knowing anyone else isn't a problem - when he spends 6 hours a day with them he will get to know them very quickly. It can also be a bonus to have non-school friends locally.

But having so few boys would strike me as an issue I'm afraid. Not so much in reception possibly but certainly in years ahead. And if the only other boy is not likely to be a friend then yes I would be considering my options.

I don't know if other state schools can even take him at this late stage. Every good one is vastly over subscribed.

Also, I don't want all his friends to be from another village 8 miles away. I want him to be able to pop round and see them on his bike as he gets older not keep running him around in the car. I keep hoping another boy will come. What a pain!