Mixing up school classes

How to prepare your child
How you approach telling your child about his new class structure will depend to some extent on his personality and level of maturity. It's best to be open, but you might want to allow him to enjoy the summer holidays oblivious to the impending change, then tell him just before the new school term; alternatively, he might cope better if he has time to get used to the idea.

You can reassure him that he'll still see his best friends at break times, and that they can still get together after school. Go on to explain that class time is more about learning than playing and chatting, and that his new teacher will help him make friends. Rona Tutt suggests that: 'Parents and carers can help with any transition by talking in positive terms about the change, which will help the child accept what is going to happen'.

What you can say
Be prepared for some upset, but try not to be over-sympathetic as your child may take this to mean that the situation is truly dreadful! Don't make promises to ask his head teacher if she can swap him into the other class, either. Try to sound cheery and optimistic. Say: 'Think of all the extra people you'll want to invite to your next birthday party!' or 'Imagine how much more you'll look forward to seeing your best friend in the holidays!'

Arrange to meet with your child's new teacher a week or so into the new term to discuss how your child is coping. Some schools arrange a 'Meet the teachers' evening once the term is underway for this purpose.

Encouraging new friendships
There are ways you can help your child to make new friends:

• Chat to the mums in the playground - if you get to know and like them, you're more likely to socialise together with your children
• Find out about some of his new classmates' after-school activities, and join your child up, too
• As your child's teacher which children he spends most time with, then arrange some after-school tea parties
• Encourage your child to take part in school activities such as show-and-share sessions, where other children will get an idea of his home life, and his likes and dislikes
• Talk to him about his school day and see whose names crop up most often - and in what contexts!

How to spot a problem
Your child may be having problems settling in if:

• he is unusually quiet after each school day
• he is consistently reluctant to go to school
• he starts complaining of feeing ill or wanting days off
• he lacks interest in any homework
• he seems depressed or cries a lot for no reason
• his behaviour at home deteriorates

It's important to keep lines of communication open between you, your child and his teacher. Don't worry: most children will settle happily after a few weeks. If not, arrange to meet with his teacher and head teacher to work out a solution.