Learning experiences
Find out about how routines and expectations may be different in your child/young person’s new school.
Every school is different, so it is normal for children and young people to need time to adjust after a move. Your child/young person’s new school may have different routines, rules and expectations. The school building may be unfamiliar, and the way staff and pupils communicate may also be different.
To help children and young people settle in, some schools offer extra support during the first few days or weeks. For example, a child/young person may have a shorter timetable at first or be given time to become familiar with the school before starting full-time.
Transferring information from previous school
It can take time for information to be transferred from one school to another. Because of this, the new school may ask you to share information about your child/young person’s previous school experience, their learning and interests. Providing this information can help staff understand your child/young person and put the right support in place as early as possible.
Moving from another country
Families moving from another country may also find that the education system works differently. School routines, teaching approaches, assessments and expectations can vary from one country to another. If you are unfamiliar with the education system, do not be afraid to ask questions. School staff should be able to explain how things work and help you understand what support is available for your child. You can also find more information about the British school system here.
Elena’s Story
Elena was in secondary school when she returned to school after spending some time being educated at home. She had started home education because her family were worried about some of the friendships she had made and the effect they were having on her.
Elena was excited about returning to school, but the process took longer than she expected. There were delays in finding a place, and she started to worry about missing learning and falling behind.
When Elena finally joined her new school, she found it hard to get used to the routine again. Attending lessons every day, following a timetable and being around lots of people felt tiring at first. Even though she was happy to be back in school, adjusting to these changes took time.
The school understood that returning after a period of home education was a big change. Staff checked in with Elena regularly, listened to her worries and gave her extra support when she needed it. They were flexible and understood that some days were more difficult than others. With time and support, Elena settled into her new routine, rebuilt her confidence and enjoyed being back in school and learning with others again.
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