Changing schools - a hypothetical WWYD

[Bluebabe75]

We moved to a new area at the end of last year and couldn't get into any of the (very over-subscribed) local schools. Initially we were commuting Matthew back to his first primary school in our old area - an hour's drive away - but we got him into a school in this area in mid January.

The school is about 40 minutes walk away or two buses. We tend to walk 20 minutes to where we would change buses and get the bus up the steep hill. Coming back we walk 20 minutes again and get the second bus, unless M asks to walk all the way home (which he does sometimes). He loves school, has settled in really well and is making friends

However, we are still on the waiting list for two much closer schools (5 and 10 minutes walk) and I am now not sure what to do if he is offered a place. He is happy where he is and doesn't want to change schools again, but the journey is going to become a complete PITA when Em won't go in the buggy anymore. The closer schools are also 'better' in terms of Ofsted although M's school has an outstanding early years and a fab new building for Reception / Year 1.

DH thinks we should move him if the opportunity arises but I am not so sure anymore. I just want him to be settled and happy

[Jack_the_Cat]

That's a tough one. I can see why you wouldn't want to move him as it is a bigh thing for them to settle in. But I think that given that you have Emma too, you have to think long term about it and the fact is that you'll be making trips to the school for another 8/9 years. I'd probably move given the chance.

[Bluebabe75]

I think you are probably right really. Am kind of hoping he will get offered a place for September and then we would have all summer to prepare him for the move. I just don't want to move him again this year really - three Reception classes and three very different learning systems might be a bit much.

[DKNI]

I am contemplating moving the boys to a different school due to ofsted reports and being let down by the teaching practise (not the boys teachers as they are great but the next teacher are not as great)
I was advised by the principal of the potential school to bring the boys along and see what they think and let them be part of the decision.

Would that be an option for you to do that?
As well as sell the new school to him if he gets a place.

It is difficult making some of these decisions

[cheeky_biscuit]

With having a younger child you've got this journey ahead of you for a long time & walking to school makes life easier. I'd change schools - at this age while he's made friends it changes a lot over key stage 1 & into KS2 so I wouldn't worry about him settling in at a new school. He'll make friends

[Daisy66]

I'd move

My ds was just over 2 when dd started school and he started refusing the buggy about the same time. The walk to school is only 10 mins, but I had some hellish walks due to ds having tantrums, refusing to walk/sit in buggy, etc etc. You really don't want to have that kind of thing on such long journeys

I say make life easier! He's still very young and should easily adjust to a new school.

[popinjay1]

In your shoes I would move him. Claire moved schools in reception and whilst initially she was sad it really didn't take her long to settle into her new one.

I changed schools in year 3 and don't remember it being a big thing at all. I think he is young enough to just get on with it.

[mrsdunny207]

I also find that we go to the local school and all the kids go to the local park and play dates / casual meet ups in the park are much easier. I think I'd move so they were both going to one of the local schools.

[Bluebabe75]

Thanks

Obviously it is all dependent on whether we ever get offered a place anyway... He is very sociable and enjoys learning so I know he would be ok in the long term, it just seems so hard. For me too really (although I know that is a bit selfish ) as I am finding it hard enough to make new friends on the school run without starting again for a third time.

[helpimfalling]

This was going to be the thread I started later! Lol!

Oh is going to be away for a while come November and it's a pain in the bum with all the kids In the morning as there schools a bit of a distance I have my seven year old there and my four year olds due to start September they go there mainly as its near my mums and me and oh went there but the schools proper gone down hill

And I live on a road with a great school on it so choices I'm looking at now are trying to get them spaces and live next to the door perfect!
Or keep k at school he loves and travel!

K is quiet a shy boy and I'd never forgive myself of he don't settles

Sorry to hijack but cut long story short will be watching this thread with interest x


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[Mrs B]

I would change too. He won't remember it in the medium-term and the fact that his (and consequently your potential) friends are closer would be a major selling point to me. Have you visited those schools? That could help you make your mind up.

ETA Just seen your last comment, Yes, he's bright and sociable enough to make new friends just like that, he won my 2 over in no time at all when they were determined to be difficult! And hopefully if you feel more settled in your area and about the school then it will be easier to make friends. We've found a noticeable difference between reception and Yr 1 in that respect - it's almost like everyone realises they are stuck with each other for years so makes a bigger effort.

[Bluebabe75]

Have you visited those schools? That could help you make your mind up.

Not yet. Am waiting to be offered a place and then we will visit

You're right about the potential friends being nearer being a selling point though - organising playdates is virtually impossible at the moment. Where we were before it was much easier, plus we all went to the same park etc.

[Duckie]

I'd probably move him too and I'm very anti moving schools unless completely necessary. That journey sounds like an absolute nightmare especially with a younger one too.

[smiley]

I would move him too. Much easier for him to have local friends for play dates, and easier once emma starts too. It may feel like a big thing but he will be fine. We moved L after reception and whilst he didn't want to leave his old school, within a few weeks he was settled with new friends. It was really worth it in the long run


S xx

[Velvet Chain]

DS has moved schools quite a few times over the last few years without any major problems, he has adapted pretty well which is like most children i think. (just as well as we are doing it all again in July!).

I would definitey go with a school close to home - if it was a good school, mainly because of the friends thing, we now get kids knocking the door to come and play with DS which we never had when he lived further away from a school and he also goes to the park to play football with the boys from his school as they all live quite close by.

I know it is hard to move them, you worry that they won't make friends and won't settle etc but in my experience it does generally work out quite well and as I said they do adapt and settle in (especially if it is a decent school and they work with him a little).

[DDM]

I wouldn't make a decision until you are offered a place, you can always turn it down if you don't like the school.

I moved DS1 last September as I felt he was no longer progressing in his old school, we were amazingly lucky and by chance a place came up the day I called his new school to see if they might have any places in his year group, and there was no waiting list for his year group (completely unheard of at this particular school).

Even now I'm still expecting them to say that there has been a huge mistake and there isn't actually a place!

It has been the best thing for him, he settled in well and has made some wonderful friends. I know he did find it hard at first though, and I felt incredibly guilty for weeks thinking that I'd made a mistake but deep down I know I did the right thing for him.

[RealGoneKid]

Knowing the journey you do, I'm not sure it's think doable long term really without a car. It will be awful once the weather gets bad again with Em walking I know you don't want to move him again but better now/September than later IMHO.

Is there any way you could see the schools without M so you know whether you want to stay on both waiting lists or just one?

[Bluebabe75]

Thanks everyone

Think I will leave it until after half term and then try and see the schools / talk to the Council about the waiting lists and make it clear that we still want a more local school Then hopefully we will get something for September which would be my preference anyway.

RGK - know what you mean about the weather (although can it really get worse )

[One Sock]

Yes I would definitely change schools, that journey sounds hellish. Imagine when E goes and them one has an after school club and you end up hanging about on the rain/snow/hail!

Hope a place comes up more locally soon.

[Rosa]

I would move him too. It will be better to live near friends etc when he is older as well.