How did you get to know other parents?

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FTM. My DD has been offered a place at a nursery that is attached to a prep-school. Depending on whether or not she enjoys it we will likely keep her there through to upper school. Because of this we’d like to get to know the other parents of her cohort. Do schools generally encourage this? More specifically, is it likely that a WhatsApp group would be set up for parents to encourage social interactions, or do schools generally just leave it up to the parents to get on with? I appreciate that all schools are different, but what was your experience?

Ours went to state school but I imagine it’s the same wherever they go.

Just get chatting to other parents at drop off / pick up. You’ll gradually swap numbers with parents of your dc’s friends and through party invitations etc.

If they’ve got any sense, schools keep well away from organised WhatsApp groups but there’s usually a keen parent who will do this.

Our school made us aware of a parent who was happy to set a group up and shared her number so we could get in touch if we wanted to. This was only whed DD started reception though, there was nothing in nursery or preschool. We didn't really meet any parents until she started reception as we all dropped off /picked up at different times.

There are usually coffee mornings, events, matches, concerts etc throughout the year where you get to meet other parents. Also joining the Friends (equivalent of the PTA in private schools) is great way to meet people abd they are always after new blood.

During nursery other moms would prepare little cards with their mobile numbers and instruct their children to pass them to their close friends and I'd occasionally find these cards in my little ones' bags. Or they'd ask the class teacher to help give out birthday invitation cards and that's when everybody got added to a group chat.

You will accompany your child to go to so many birthday parties it will not be an issue.

There's usually some sort of PTA group that arrange fundraisers, 2nd hand school uniform shops, social events and other stuff so you can be as involved as you like.

Our prep school doesn’t have a nursery but there is a class Whatsapp group and absolutely loads on socially.

In the early years kids’ parties were a good way to get to know other parents as they were too young for drop off parties, and whole class parties were the norm till about y2/3.

There was also a lot of hanging out in the playground - pick up was 3.30 but gates stayed open till 4 and many parents would stay and chat whilst kids ran around. Sports days, special assemblies etc were also good opportunities to chat.

Lots of organised events for parents ranging from coffee mornings organised by the class rep, class pub drinks or dinner, to full school Christmas or end of year parties organised by the PTA.

In short lots of social stuff even without being part of the PTA.

@StiffyByngsDogBartholomew Yes, I am considering that option. Did you join your ‘Friends of [school]’ / PTA. If so, what does it involve?

Oh wow! That is dedication. Was that a common thing to do? I can't imagine doing that. Is that the parents' equivalent of a business card? 😀

I hope we can get to know other parents through PTA events etc. I’ve heard accounts from other mothers about feeling inadequate and shunned by other parents while at drop-off. I would hate for that scenario to occur.