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Original poster

Anyone moved perfectly happy children, from a perfectly good school for childcare reasons ?

33 replies

KathyBrown · 17/05/2009 00:10

The infant department is a bit crap but juniors is great.
DC1 is in Year 5 in September, has very few friends, but not unhappy about it, DC2 more sociable but would see those kids at Rainbows, DC3 has not settled in reception, but she will iyswim but has a horrible shouty teacher next year.
There is no before or after school provision at all, we've tried the nanny thing and had awful experiences.
Am considering moving them to the local (unknown private school) which DC1 would go to if we didn't get out first choice of secondary school anyway.

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Original poster
KathyBrown · 17/05/2009 15:31

Nobody ? Never ?

OP posts:
flamingobingo · 17/05/2009 15:36

What answer do you want? My children don't go to school, but I'm not sure what help anyone who has done this could be to you?

Only you know what will be best for your children and your family.

bigchris · 17/05/2009 15:38

I think childcare is a valid reason to move school
especially as they don't sound particularly happy there
do what feel rights for you
have you asked the kids woud they think, especially the older one? can you afford to go private and what does your dh / dp think?h

bronze · 17/05/2009 15:40

Sounds a valid reason t o me. Not moved or moving for the sae reason but ds1 (of 4) is in year 2 and we're already planning to move to be near a better secondary

cornsilk · 17/05/2009 15:42

What about a childminder?

frogwatcher · 17/05/2009 15:48

I can sympathise a bit as in similar position (but without the option of private schooling!). I have had to take two de-motions at work and refused two more promotions because our school does not have before or after school clubs and I cant find a childminder to take 3 children. Nannys arent interested as the hours are too short. I just gave up my career!!! Not saying its a good decision as I miss it to be honest and hate being in a position without any control - but hey ho. Needs must. I could have moved them to another school up the road which has clubs but they are so happy and settled I couldnt do it.

Original poster
KathyBrown · 17/05/2009 16:11

I guess I've always wanted them in private school but we moved to an area where the state primaries are rated as being great (not sure what the bad ones must be like then) and I am sure educationally it is fine but there are a few issues. The eldest I offered to move last year but she wanted to stay put, maybe if her sisters were moving too she'd be keener .... argh I don't know what to do for the best and if i'm blowing minor problems out of proportion.

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cornsilk · 17/05/2009 16:14

Personally I probably wouldn't move my chn for your reasons. I use a childminder who is great and takes them to school and collects them. I've also had a crap childminder, so I know it's a bit of a gamble.

cory · 20/05/2009 11:13

I changed childminders instead. Less of an upheaval.

Original poster
KathyBrown · 20/05/2009 15:23

Our school is a funny one though, there are a couple of fantastic childminders who are fully booked and a god awful one and that's it.
I might try and persuade my friend to go back to childminding but does that mean they'd have to give up all their after school activities, swimming, karate etc, that's what always puts me off childminders I've always thought it's too much to ask of somebody who has their own children too.

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CMOTdibbler · 20/05/2009 15:31

It's the reason DS will go to a private school - that way we have before and after school care, and he can go to after school activities

Millarkie · 20/05/2009 15:50

What is your journey from work to school like?

Our children went to a school with wrap-around care/clubs etc last year. The clubs etc finished at 5.45pm and I commute quite a distance by public transport so I was forever stressed about delays (last June my train was delayed or cancelled every tuesday and every other thursday!). Despite factoring in a 40 min window in case of delay, I had a few occasions where I had to ring dh and get him to leave work early, jump into the car and get the kids in the nick of time, or ring round my family (dh abroad) and try to find someone who would be able to get to the school on time.
This year the kids are at a state school and we have an au pair who is available 'just in case' my train is delayed - it also means that they only go to the after-school clubs that they are really interested in, rather than the 'after-school care'. The au pair comes with hassle - but not the same unending stress of getting back in time for the end of afterschool club.

Lizipads · 20/05/2009 15:55

I am thinking of it at the moment, for similar reasons.

I get home at the end of each week relieved the nanny's not resigned, which doesn't feel right.

Also we pay her nanny-housekeeper rates - what else can we do as after-school nannies are impossible to find, without complcations like them having their own baby or (I work part-time) having more than one job, in which case I'd be concerned about them giving equal priority to my children.

Childminding isn't what I want. I would prefer them to be either at school, or at home, not to add a third family scenario into the mix.

Sadly, most of the local private schools ALSO don't seem to offer after-school provision. It is unbelievable that both state and private systems cater for single-earner households.

So yes, I think it's a valid reason and I will be watching your progress with interest. Best wishes.

cornsilk · 20/05/2009 16:07

Our childminder takes them to after school activities as well. Phone around.

whiskersonkittens · 20/05/2009 16:21

My friend did this twice, including moving house as it was all so stressful. Children adapt easily generally and if you can afford it,and there is the wrap around care you need then go for it - think how much happier you will feel if not having to stress about childcare ...

You would need to go and have a good look at the private school first tho - there are good and bad ones even with outstanding Ofsted reports

mumtolawyer · 20/05/2009 21:49

I have an after-school nanny - she's a mature student whose course finishes mid-afternoon. She is absolutely wonderful. Maybe you could try any local colleges/universities? I am in London so it's easier, though.

Millarkie · 20/05/2009 22:30

Is this research for a book or something? You posted on 17th May that you are 5 weeks pregnant and that dh will be looking after the children, and then today (20th May) that you are starting a new job in 2 weeks and starting IVF this week and that your dh has been made redundant.
And now you can afford private schooling for several children?
It doesn't add up and it upsets me that I spent time sharing my experience with you on this thread if it's some sort of fantasy life or research.

Original poster
KathyBrown · 20/05/2009 22:33

Fair enough, i like to weigh up situations before they happen and find people are more responsive if the think it's current.

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Original poster
KathyBrown · 20/05/2009 22:33

Fair enough, i like to weigh up situations before they happen and find people are more responsive if the think it's current.

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MollieO · 20/05/2009 23:42

Wrote a long post and just about to post it when I re-read thread and realised you must be a journo.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 20/05/2009 23:47

to OP

Your last post makes no sense

Original poster
KathyBrown · 20/05/2009 23:49

I'm not a journalist, I'm sorry if you feel your efforts were/are wasted.
As I said there is no point I find in posting, I was thinking about doing this in 9 months time should my Dh actually ever get another job and I so happen to be able to keep my job and my IVF fails so I will want to work kind of thing, wouldn't you agree ?
That doesn't mean it isn't something that I am thinking about right now and am not concerned with.

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BoysAreLikeDogs · 20/05/2009 23:56

SO your OP was a lie then?

okaaaaay

Original poster
KathyBrown · 21/05/2009 00:02

Am considering moving them to the local (unknown private school) which DC1 would go to if we didn't get out first choice of secondary school anyway.

Considering is the key word in that sentence, not sure what your problem is lady but I don't appreciate being chased around the board by you

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Original poster
KathyBrown · 22/05/2009 10:55

Well for anyone still interested, I've just looked at the private school and will move heaven and earth to get them all in there.
So I guess my next thread is going to be how to try and get a three for two discount on the best school in the area

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