Children may need to move or change schools in the middle of a session or when the session has come to an end. Not all children stay in the same school from Reception to Nursery and through Primary for various reasons which may be personal or not. The change may be a positive one but there is no denying that it can be equally challenging too. This is why every parent facing changes in schools needs practical tips to make the move seamless.
Why the need to move schools?
There are many reasons why a child may need to make a transition to another school and it may be for personal reasons or not.
- Moving to a different part of the town could make a change of school inevitable because of the distance to be covered especially for families in the armed forces whose children change schools on the move.
- Divorce is also another reason a child may need a change in school depending on who gets custody and who is moving away.
- Other reasons could be a parent's dissatisfaction with the child's school at not being able to meet the academic, social, physical and behavioural expectations and thinks that the new school will meet these needs or be a better option.
- Bringing your children from different schools into one school or wanting to take advantage of a new school opening up in your area is another feasible reason.
- Additionally, moving from nursery to primary or from primary to secondary school may necessitate a change in their school.
- There could also be an emotional reason such as bullying which is a common cause of changing schools. Parents may feel that changing schools will change the situation but it is not always the case.
- The decision to change schools could also be a financial one. A parent's change in finances for better or worse could mean that a child will be going to a less expensive school or a more expensive and better school the parent could not afford earlier.
Should you change your child's school?
Sometimes it is beyond a parent's control like moving to another state or changing jobs or homes. Changes brought about by bullying or failure of a school to meet a parent's criteria for the child could be discussed with the class teacher or head teacher about changes needed in the school before the decision to make a change is concrete. Try every option available to you to resolve issues you have with the school. Changing schools should be a last resort.
Preparing your child for moving schools
While it is common for children to move schools, it is also common for children to resist change and feel stressed about leaving the familiar for the unfamiliar. As parents, you are in the best possible position to prepare your child for the change.
We already discussed how the new move might be inevitable but it is still proper that you talk to your child about it to give them a sense of importance and in an age-appropriate manner. Discuss the reasons behind the move, and the different positive ways your child can stand to benefit from it, especially among new friends. Let your child the plans you are putting in place to make the transition smooth. Talking about it will ease your child's mind and also oil the wheels of the transition.
Here are tips on how you can involve your child and make the change easier:
- Involve your child in the process of moving and changing schools. Find out schools in the new area, go visiting and discuss the pros and cons of each school. This will make your child happy because you consider their needs as important and will also bring to the fore the exciting and positive aspects of the move.
- Children also get some cues from parents so show some excitement while you are at it.
- Ask your child about what they look forward to about the change - their expectations and aspirations.
- Ask your child what worries them about the move and take the time to acknowledge and discuss their concerns.
- If there are children already attending the school in your new area, you could arrange with the parents for your child to get to meet them and if they form a friendship, your child will already have friends at the school before school resumes.
Practical steps to take before moving schools
- Inform the head teacher and teachers of the move, this can aid the transfer process. Make a contact list of your child's friends and neighbours in the former area. If possible, share your new address with your child's friends so they can get to visit. Plan a get-together with friends and neighbours before the move.
- Talk to the head teacher of the new school about ways to make a child get integrated easily into the school. Take a tour of the new school so that your child can get to know important places like the canteen, library, etc. Get the contact numbers of the new school head teacher, teachers, and nurse so you can contact them when you have questions. Get involved in the PTA of the new school so you can have access to privileged information and offer your skills and interests. The more involved you are the more seamless the transition will be.
Helping your child settle in after the move
When the relocation process is complete, take some time to help your child settle in. You can do this by:
- Meet with your child's new teacher to find out how the change is going with your child.
- Provide your child with the proper uniform and books so that they can fit in easily.
- Have a copy of your child's timetable so you can keep abreast of current happenings and also talk about issues that may arise.
- Encourage your child to sign up for extra-curricular activities.
Changes of any kind are never easy, it takes a lot of planning and hard work. The best you can do for your child as you move to a new school is to stay informed and get involved.
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