Changing circumstances can bring about twists and turns in our lives as well as in the lives of our children. There are children who stay at their primary school from Reception until Year 6, but it is not uncommon for children to experience changing primary schools during their education journey. Each parent facing this change wants to ensure that it is as stress-free as possible. It has the potential to be a positive step for the whole family, but it may also be challenging.

So, when is changing primary schools the right decision for your child, and how do you make the arrangements?

The move to a new primary school might be necessary for a variety of reasons. Many times, there is a practical reason for changing - for example, you may be moving house or getting a new job in the local area. There might be a place at a school in your area that you would like to take advantage of, or you might have children in different schools and want them all in the same place. 

Changing primary schools mid-year can have positive and negative effects on children, depending on the individual child and the circumstances surrounding the change.

Positive effects of moving primary schools may include:

• Exposure to new learning environments and educational approaches can enhance a child's learning and development.
• Opportunities to make new friends and socialise with different peers.
• Improved school resources, facilities and extra-curricular activities.

Making the right choice when changing primary schools mid-year

A similar process to applying for normal school places will apply when you are looking for new schools for your child. The headteacher will need to arrange a time for you to visit since there are usually no organised school tours or open days mid-year.

It is important to check with the school in advance to ensure a place is available in the year group that your child will be entering.

School websites and Ofsted reports are good sources of information, but to get a sense of the school's atmosphere and ethos, it's essential to visit personally and speak with the teachers, headteacher and other parents.

This will also give you the opportunity to learn more about any exciting after-school clubs and school events. If your child shows strong abilities and interests, you might be able to find an opportunity for them to develop those characteristics further.

What to know about in-year admissions in Hoyland

It is known as an in-year admission when your child moves from one school to another during the course of the year. In order to find out about your local authority's admission policies, you should contact them directly. A local authority's website is often useful for this purpose. However, it is worth contacting the school to learn more about their system and availability.

A couple of pieces of documentation confirming your full address will be required to prove you live within the school's catchment area.

As soon as your child has been accepted to the new school, you will need to contact the headteacher to arrange their beginning date. After you have confirmed this, write to the headteacher of your child’s current school to officially deregister them. Once your child starts school in their new location, you can begin settling them in.

For more information and guidance on the process of changing primary schools in Barnsley in the middle of the year, contact the local authority and they can provide you with information on the specific requirements and procedures.

Changing primary schools and preparing your child early

Your child won’t be the only one moving mid-year, many children change schools at some point in their lives. It is possible for children to dislike change, as well as feel stressed by the transition to a new school. Therefore, preparation is crucial to help your child as early as possible.

By involving your child in the school selection and move process as much as possible, you can ensure that they understand each step and they feel included. As a result, your child will be able to see the positive aspects of the move and, even better, be excited about it. It is important that you let your child know that their needs matter.

To ease your child's transition to the new environment, follow these tips:

• It would be helpful if you could discuss the move well in advance with your child. Your enthusiasm for the move will be contagious.

• Having a new school is an exciting time for your child. Encourage them to write down or draw what they're looking forward to most to support the positive aspects of the move.

• Whenever you decide to relocate, research all the local schools. Show your child a list of the schools you would like them to attend and make a comparison. Discuss the pros and cons of different schools with your child if they are old enough. Ideally, you should bring your child along when you visit the new schools to better understand their opinions.

Whatever steps you take, it will help you understand the situation through your child's eyes if you talk about moving schools with them early on in the process.

What do you need to know before changing schools mid-year?

A great start is to seek assistance with the transfer process from the head teacher of your child's current school before the move and consult them about strategies to assist new students in adjusting.

You could even arrange to spend some time with your child exploring the new school's facilities. Taking your child through this process will help them understand where the important areas are in their new academic environment.

You may want to create a contact list of friends from their old school that your child might want to keep in touch with. At the same time, make sure your child meets some new classmates before their first day at a new school by talking to your new neighbours, or their new teacher.

Reduce any uncertainty in advance. It is worthwhile learning the locations for your child's pick-up and drop-off, as well as where the bus stops are so that you can ensure their safe trip to and from school.

The school may be able to help you or your child if English isn't your first language. The new school may also have facilities and support programs that can assist your child if they have any additional educational needs.
 

Adjusting to a new primary school: how can you help?

It is vital to ensure that you take the time to help your child settle in after you have relocated. To see how things are going, you might want to meet with your child's new head teacher or teacher, even within the first month or so. This way, you can tackle any worries early on and put a plan together.

Your child may enjoy extracurricular activities if the school offers them, so check to see if they can be registered early and speak to your child about what they would be excited to try.

Creating relationships with teachers, other parents, and students as early as possible will assist your child in achieving the maximum benefit from school. You should consider getting involved with school activities and functions that are geared towards families. For example, St Helen's has regular activities that include parents/carers and the children.

Remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The most important thing is to be supportive and understand your child's needs during this transition.

Looking at changing primary schools in Hoyland? See what St Helen’s has to offer!

Looking to make changing school as quick and easy as possible? If your child is changing primary schools mid-year and you are looking for schools in Hoyland, learn more about St Helen’s Catholic Primary School. Visit our Ofsted reports, our comprehensive Admissions page, or simply contact us for information and to arrange a visit!