stopping work because childcare not working

Sarahsaver

I think theres something else going on because hes used to being at nursery school full time - and very happy and settled. He used to be out from 8am until 5pm. I spose it was a very different environment because he had formal lessons (he was in a Montessori nursery) but the classes were smaller, he got a lot more one to one attention, and children there are allowed to go off and have a sleep if they want to, which I think he may have done. Now he has to cope with being one of 30 kids in a class who mostly don't have English as their first language, then off to afterschool club where he is the youngest there. He rarely showed behaviour problems in the past. He probably is special needs in respect of his educational needs because he is so very clever. I am not just saying that because I am his mum, but he's learning French at home, knows a bit of Spanish, recognised letters and numbers at the age of 2, can sing any tune back to you after hearing it once. Physically as well he's confident, climbing up things when he was a few months old, standing on his head before the age of 2,(frightened me that one!) he can swim as well. He's usually a chatty, happy, affectionate, easy going litle boy.

Glad

sarah
he obviously sounds like he has extra needs, couldn't he have stayed on at the same school he was at nursery at?
maybe moving schools has something to do with him not settling in

Sarahsaver

I think so too, but I cant because he has a place at the state school and the tax credits were paying for the nursery school, but won't now. I have even thought of home schooling him for some of the time but that again would mean I cant work enough (i.e. not enough income...) Just when I think I have things sorted !

Helen_from_yorkshire

I have a friend who had similar problems, however her child was pre-school age. She contacted her Health Visitor regarding the problems the nursery were experiencing and the HV spoke with the nursery direct (obviously with her permission) to attempt to get things resolved.

Obviously this is slightly different as your son is of school age, but could you maybe contact your son's School Nurse who could possibly speak to the after-school club. Please note School Nurses aren't always based in schools, they cover a particular area, usually contactable at local Health Centre.

brummiebabe

Just a thought, but have you asked your son what the problem is at after-school, or whether he likes going there? I know at 4/5 they're not that able to express their views, but it might be something simple that is the problem for him. Perhaps he's bored or under stimulated by what's on offer. Is it quite unstructured? It sounds as though his pre-school/nursery experience was quite structured, so perhaps he needs a bit more input from the staff to participate in activites etc! Don't know though - you have my sympathies - my son took a while to settle at after school club aswell!!!:grouphug:

auntywalker2

I think anyone providing childcare only has to be registered if it is more than 2 hours a day. If you could find another Mum at school who would be prepared to have your ds perhaps the odd day to start with, for 1 hr 59 mins (!) it would help with the immediate problem.
If you have the option of weekend c/c, could you flex your working week to include Saturday morning for example, thus freeing up a few hours after school ?
I do sympathise, luckily my dh works shifts so he can do after school 2 wks out of 3, and I have been able to flex my hours to be able to drop off 2 wks out of 3 (he does the other drop off, my sis the other pick up).

Just wanted to add Good Luck in resolving this!

Counting_Pennies_2

You've probably already looked into this, but is there a chance of a scholorship to the school attached to your sons old nursery.

It sounds like he is very bright, and would benefit?

Prudent

A school day is more demanding for children than nursery. Children who cope really well with a full day at nursery often struggle at first in school. It sounds like he could also be in a demanding class, which also puts more stress on everyone.Children ususally adjust by about November time.

Sarahsaver

An update...
I am FUMING.
My son's school has said he cannot have packed lunch until after CHRISTMAS!!!
Can you believe it? How the hell do they expect him to settle in? He would be allowed to stay if he had school dinners. Bloody lunacy. How the hell am going to get any work done? I have an interview to conduct followed by a 1500 word article today. This situation is a pile of crap. I have to talk to someone else at the school but I was too upset to go and do it there and then. Complicated by the fact that I am a school governor :rolleyes:

Prudent

Do you know why?