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There are lots of reasons why a child might have to move to a new school. Perhaps the family is relocating due to work commitments, their parents are going through a separation or perhaps their current school is unable to meet their needs. Regardless, the change can impact a child in various ways, as explored below by an independent school in Surrey. Parents should monitor their children closely when they move schools to ensure they settle in well.
One of the biggest things that children worry about when moving schools is having to make new friends. Help them with this transition by encouraging them to meet up with their old friends, if possible, or speak to them via video chat so that they feel less alone throughout the process. For younger children, you could get in touch with some of the parents at the new school and arrange a playdate so that your child can get to know some of the new children in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
As well as anxiety over new friendships, your child might also struggle to adapt to the new teachers at first. They might be ahead or behind in their new class, which will cause them to lose interest and seem like they’re not concentrating. As a result, they might then struggle with homework. Be patient with your child and don’t be too hard on them if their grades seem to slip at first; it will take some time for them to settle. It might be worth hiring a private tutor to help your child with their studies for the first few weeks.
Try and create an open and honest environment for your child where they can come to you with any concerns. They need to understand why the change needed to happen and what it will involve, so speak truthfully about the situation and answer any of their questions to the best of your ability. Most importantly, try and emphasise the positive aspects of the new school and the change in general. You could even enrol your child in some extra-curricular activities to help them make new friends and develop their confidence, as their self-esteem might take a knock as the enter unfamiliar territory.
