Help please moving a 6 year old primary school!

Hil2401

Hi Folks, I am hoping someone can help me!! I have a six year old girl who is attending our local primary school (rural area) and seems to be in distress, she is the youngest of three girls, the older pair being 17 and 15 and already established in a great Secondary school.

The other pair floated through Primary school with no problems and loved every minute. But this is not the experience of my youngest. She has had 8 teachers since starting school two years ago due to retirements, temps, teacher training, sick leave, maternity etc etc. She had been picked on quiet a bit this year and had lots of things stolen from her which is very upsetting and despite contacting the school the problem still seems to exist.

My problem is that I have contacted another school in the area who are willing to take her. This is a bigger school but would be in the next town. I am so worried about making the wrong descision. Keeping here in our local school where things continue to cause her distress or move her to a brand new school where she will know no body but might do better??

So here are my questions?? does anyone know how moving schoold effects children at such a young age?? what should I do...help????

Mr.Wemmick

Have you asked her how she feels about going to a new school? It might be worth you visiting the new school with her and having a chat with her new teacher next year. Find out who the kids are in her class if they go to any Summer clubs/camps, that way she can get to know/ make friends before school begins in September.

The trick to smoothly transferring your child to another school is by doing as much as you can yourself by talking to the school, meeting with teachers/the head, finding out about their policies etc. I would let the new school know of the upsets she has had and ask what policies they have in place to ensure bullying is dealt with. Do you know for sure that the school you are moving to is going to be better? Have you spoken to other parents whose children attend there? It might be worth getting in touch with the parents' association too. Could she attend the new school for one day before the end of the Summer term as an introduction? Is the school having any fun days/sport days/charity/fund-raising days you could both attend.

It's not easy but if she is unhappy/stressed, and the school she is in now is being badly managed, then by all means you need to find a school where she can be happy. All children have a right to an education in a consistent, stress-free, safe environment otherwise they will not be able to develop the essential learning skills needed for the subsequent years.

Missymoohaa

I moved my at the time 7yr old boy from a smaller school to a much larger school in our local town. He would have been heading into 1st class. I have never regretted it for one minute. He has dyslexia and has come on tremendously in the bigger school. The fact the classes are bigger means he has more of a choice of character types to be friendly with and has two great close friends. The Resource Teaching in bigger schools is much better funded and in my opinion organised.

My son is a very gentle and sensitive little boy and like you I had huge worries at the time about moving him, I can only let you know my experience and that it was a very positive one.

Good luck in your choice and go with your instincts that's all I can say.

peacock169

we are currently facing the same dilemma with our near 7 year old. She is just finishing Senior Infants, the school that she is in just doesn't seem to suit her. There is no one particular thing, but a collection of lots of little things, like boys pulling her hair taking her stuff, calling her names. She is very sociable has lots of friends at home, has at least 2 best friends in her class they all do extra curricular activities together. Today I asked her was she happy in school and she said no. I feel that the best thing for her is to move school, and if it doesn't work out I'll deal with that if and when it happens. I am a little worried about the move, however I feel that her experiences in school should be as positive and as happy as possible and its just as important as the academic side of things things and I know in my heart of hearts, things aren't going to get any better for her in the school she currently attends. My older son went to the same primary school and loved it, sailed through but different children different needs.

moochers

I moved my son when he was six to diff school (due to house move) It did take him a couple of weeks to settle as he loved his prev school, but he was grand in no time. Hil2401,Peacock 169, I think that ye are doing the right thing, it must be very upsetting to see your little girls distressed. I would not worry about the transition, firstly its an ideal time to move her as summer is coming up and she will start brand new class. There is always great excitement when a new child starts and most 6/7 year olds are very friendly. Dont worry about it being a bigger school, it prob has very good policy regarding bullying.8 teachers in two years is not on. I totally agree with Missymooha re: extra curriculum and more children to mix with. Children are very adaptable, keep positive and best of luck!

mat cauthon

If you do move her ( and it seems you have real reasons) then try and make sure that she stays connected to local kids via GAA or whatever.
And maybe other kids locally go to another school?

But do bear in mind the big upheaval from a little country school, where everyone knows everything about everyone, to a big school, where there are many teachers, children, rooms etc...

It is horses for courses - little schools are an absolute dream, when they suit both child and teacher, but a nightmare when they do not.

Your call, but keep the local connection.

wintersolstice

Hil2401 wrote: »

Hi Folks, I am hoping someone can help me!! I have a six year old girl who is attending our local primary school (rural area) and seems to be in distress, she is the youngest of three girls, the older pair being 17 and 15 and already established in a great Secondary school.

The other pair floated through Primary school with no problems and loved every minute. But this is not the experience of my youngest. She has had 8 teachers since starting school two years ago due to retirements, temps, teacher training, sick leave, maternity etc etc. She had been picked on quiet a bit this year and had lots of things stolen from her which is very upsetting and despite contacting the school the problem still seems to exist.

My problem is that I have contacted another school in the area who are willing to take her. This is a bigger school but would be in the next town. I am so worried about making the wrong descision. Keeping here in our local school where things continue to cause her distress or move her to a brand new school where she will know no body but might do better??

So here are my questions?? does anyone know how moving schoold effects children at such a young age?? what should I do...help????

if she is distressed in school,move her.we moved our girl and have never regretted it.she is so relaxed and bubbly in new school

Gaughan12

Hil2401 wrote: »

Hi Folks, I am hoping someone can help me!! I have a six year old girl who is attending our local primary school (rural area) and seems to be in distress, she is the youngest of three girls, the older pair being 17 and 15 and already established in a great Secondary school.

The other pair floated through Primary school with no problems and loved every minute. But this is not the experience of my youngest. She has had 8 teachers since starting school two years ago due to retirements, temps, teacher training, sick leave, maternity etc etc. She had been picked on quiet a bit this year and had lots of things stolen from her which is very upsetting and despite contacting the school the problem still seems to exist.

My problem is that I have contacted another school in the area who are willing to take her. This is a bigger school but would be in the next town. I am so worried about making the wrong descision. Keeping here in our local school where things continue to cause her distress or move her to a brand new school where she will know no body but might do better??

So here are my questions?? does anyone know how moving schoold effects children at such a young age?? what should I do...help????

i had the same issue. I was bullied in primary school so moved school, unfortunately i was bullied for being quiet in that school. Even though i hated the school i became a more confident and outgoing person because of it. i think that it is a good idea

peacock169

Update:
Well we moved our daughter to her new school and to say she is a different child is an UNDERSTATEMENT and it just validates our decision to move her. She skips into and out of school every day. She is so eager to do homework and gives herself a little extra reading because she "LOVES" it! The class size is nearly half of what she was previously in. Apart from the school side of things, her personality is back to being bubbly and happy, her confidence is back she is just so happy. There came one point last year, that she could leave the house/car without something in her hand and her hairband in, we knew it was a security thing, now even that has stopped she doesn't need these things. We are delighted we made the decision for her.

moochers

Hi Peacock169,
Thanks for the update. Delighted your little girl is so happy and settled in so quickly. Great decision:)