advice needed on Uk and Irish schools - similarities and differences

[dustythedolphin]

We are moving to Ireland and I need some advice about which class my DD should join. Unlike in the UK, we have been offered a choice of whether she joins the 5-6 yr olds, becoming one of the oldest in her class. Or the 6-7 year olds, being one of the youngest.

She will be 7 in July and is therefore one of the youngest in her class in the UK. She is struggling to keep up and she may be slightly dyslexic (DH has severe dyslexia). She also lacks confidence when reading and is very concious of being younger than all her friends.

The obvious answer would be to put her in the class of 5-6 year olds, so she will have the advantage of being one of the oldest in her class but I am worried that, if we return to the UK in a couple of years, the fact she would have been with younger children might mean she is a year behind in UK terms, as she would automatically be placed back in a UK class with 6-7 year olds (or whatever age she is then), her birthday being in July.

The UK seems to place children automatically according to birthday, where ther Irish system allows more flexibility, according to what is right for the child in terms of their development.

Can any one help me think this one through? I want to do what is best for DD both in the short and longer term

Thanks

Thanks SBS that's very useful - yes they do have SEN support at the school, which I've seen in action. I'm hoping if she is one of the oldest she may not need it, although over here I requested it (and did get it) 'cos I felt she was struggling to keep up with her older classmates. The class sizes at the school are 14, which is two years of seven children each taught together.

We're up to our elbows in packing here now (or rather I will be once I get off this computer...)

Another question: are the AA the best car rescue service in Ireland? here we have RAC as well but AA (IMHO) are much better. To join AA in reland looks loads more expensive than to join in UK . I need a package that will cover us in UK and Ireland ideally

Am terrified the car will break down on the way to the ferry or on the other side

RAC rescued me a few years back and I can't complain about them at all. We have breakdown cover included with our insurance so don't need either ATM. AFAIK, the RAC has contracts with local mechanics so you will be rescued by someone nearby and not have to wait too long.

A class of 14 is fantastic, my dc are all in classes of 28-30, so your dd should get lots of attention.

As for serving at mass, I would say talk to the local priest and local families who you'll meet at school, and go with your gut instinct.

I hope the move isn't too stressful for you

Re the AA/RAC - I would arrange cover for the journey over (as if you were going on holiday) and then check it out with locals when you are there. IMO it is not as widely used in Ireland as here - in the UK it's pretty important (IMO) if you do a lot of motorway driving as the cost of being towed off the motorway is huge otherwise... The motorway network is not extensive in Ireland and it would probably be worth finding out what the local cover is like for where you will be living before making a decision about it...

One thing to think about schools for the future if you think you may move back to the UK at some stage.... Because children are often 5 starting school in Ireland and then do 8 years of primary (versus 7 in the UK) then lots of children are 13 starting secondary as opposed to 11 here. I don't know if it makes a big difference or not but if you moved a 12 year old back they would be going into second year at secondary rather than their last year if primary....

Decor - yes that's a good idea about arranging cover just for the journey - then I can get European cover just for the drive over and start a fresh policy once we are there. Am hoping that once we arrive I will be able to relax - too much to do before we leave lol

Verity - thanks for that, can you recommend any good value insurance/breakdown cover?

I think I will very nicely ask about whether the church has a child protection policy and chat with the parents/priest and maybe school, as you say - at the end of the day will go with gut feeling and keep an eye