Hello everyone, i've recently join the forum but i've been lurking for a while and have found an abundance of information here!
I've been wanting to move to france for many years but for various reasons have not been able to persue it. I recently decided its now or never( what with being *ahem* 30 *cough* next year!).
I was wondering what everyones experiences with education is?
I have five children (11,8,8,8,1). One has autism and one has dyslexia (i have dyslexia too, but i'm sure you have already figured that out!! lol),
Schooling is the only thing i worry about, i know alot of schools have special classes that my little one with autism may have to attend but i'm worried about my little one with dyslexia he a very bright boy but struggles with the basics (spelling, mental maths and consentration), i really dont want his education to suffer.
Any information and/or experiances would be greatfully recived!

jenni

Hi there!
Look on FAQs in one of the Read Me Threads above and click on "Autism Society" and "Education". Then look for all the recent threads started by La Sizer and Kezza85, and you'll learn a lot from the answers and advice!

Thanks for the reply dmu.
I have read all of the above mentioned over the last few days and they have been a huge help, i have to say this forum has more usefull information than any other i have been on!
I was just wondering if anyone one had any personal experiances with the special needs provision within schools

There was another thread not long ago, asking about autistic children coming to France. Look in the Search box (top right) under "autistic children" and I'm sure the thread will come up.

Hi..we have been here 3years plus now!!
The education in France is excellent!! Our 3 kids have done better than some of the French kids...
We are selling our gite business next year to move to Canada which was always our dream....So we are going to miss France and all the good things here for the kids!!...
Still , go for it!!!..The kids will benefit here more than uk..

Al..

Hi Jenni,
welcome to the forum
We moved here 7 years ago, when our 3 were teenagers. Our middle daughter is dyslexic and it was suggested we look at sous-contrat schools. They are semi-private schools - we were paying around 670 euros a year when our youngest finished in 2005. We were really impressed with the help and support all of ours got when they first started, especially as none of them spoke French (we moved here from South Africa). Middle daughter is now at university, and doing really well. Do you have any idea of what part of France you would be looking at to settle in? I think that does make a difference.
You also don't say what you will be doing when you move to France, what sort of work etc. This can also make a big difference. If you are all happy, and really want to make the move, then I'm sure you will cope.

Hi Jenny,
Well you said you wanted experiences so I will tell you after 15 years here we are moving because of the schools and know quite alot of people who have made the move back home also because of the school system here which is archaic,rigid and unforgiving particulary for non academic children.I teach ESL english in higher eduction schools so I know what goes on.Teachers here are trained within the system, they have no formal training certainly not a university degree.They go through a competition in front a board (who work for the 'education national') and are chosen to go through for a years training.. working directly in the schools.Their teaching skills are non existent,you simply get lucky if you get a 'good teacher' as they are just naturally good at their vocation certainly not down to training.Here they are functionaires (civil servants) a cushy job but not respected by the general public as they are unhelpful and lazy with no ambition.(so the french say)

Academics are highly thought of here, so if your child happens to be gifted in anything but Maths/French/Science his prospects are low.History/Geography are laughed at here and no one cares if little Johnny has bad marks or not! Believe me, I hear it straight out of the mouths of the French Mums.Of the 3 types of BAC available the most sought after is the Maths/Science one.If your child is struggling there is no help (though just this year new measures were put in place for after school care) A friend of mine just moved to Canada,her daughter is dyslexsic and has ADHD.She had to fight so hard for any help,the school refused to recognize her difficulties and wouldn't allow any 'special help' it wouldnt be fair on the other children! The orthophonist got involved in the end but the teachers were very annoyed at my friend bringing in the speech therapist and as a result she had to pull her daughter out of school due to bullying from the teachers.Of course I understand this is one case but it is not unusual here.

I could go on and on but it would not be helpful to hear my frustration with this old fashioned system and unskilled teachers.We have been through 2 primary schools and 2 colleges.My friend has just put her child in the British school after many years of problems.

I would say do your research it is very different here.I know some people have had positive experiences.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any detailed questions.
PS I live in the Paris suburbs

I have to say eve n !!! what a rubbish reply!!! The education system here is nothing like you have described?
Mind you, looking at your profile..Paris...if thats where you live ? I am not surprised!!!

I think you're being a bit harsh. She is just giving some advice based on personal experiences. As with anything there are always 2 sides to a coin, and it may be useful for the OP to know as many accounts of life here as possible.

I'm afraid not rubbish, wish it was, my reply is based on facts. Before you go throwing around comments like that, back them up so I have a chance to agree or disagree.

I have worked in the French education system for 10 years speak fluent French and deal with the the way things are done here on a daily basis.Do you?
I was actually being reserved in my comments so not to be too onesided.

I still believe for the poster of this thread that she needs to be very careful in her choice coming to France and do alot of research as to the right schools for her children.

Its a shame that you waste your time on stupid answers like that, this forum is for help, information and support non of which is found in your reply.

Maybe you would like to take the time to tell me exactly what you think the education system is like in France.I would be more than happy to discuss it with you. But lets not hijack this post, PM me if you like, I would be more than
happy to inform you and even put you in contact with a couple of other teachers I work with at the university.

Thanks

Do not take it to be at you,people only see the things they wish to see,till they loose the rose specs.you waste your time.

You're right.

When we moved on from France to Canada, our youngest was still at school, and we thought it would be easier for him there. However, we found it was so bad compared to France, that we ended up sending him to a private school, so he could get his international bacclaureate. However, the few times I've tried to share these experiences on the Canadian forum, I've got lynched and I rarely bother to post there now
Yet as pointed out earlier, it's always good to hear from both sides, good and bad experiences, so people can get a more balanced view. I really do think it can make a difference as to where you live in France. There are quite a few English children at school here, all have/are doing well. The schools arranged for free French lessons for ours when we first arrived, without us asking for them, the teachers at the Institut St Lo were great, and I know our 3 all look back on the time they spent at school here with great affection, and are still in touch with the friends they made.

Like a lot of things in life,you must have put some time before the true way of French live comes to you,then the true expats stay.

The older you are the better it is.

Eve n..you should chill out a bit(do they teach that in Uni?)

I think you should heed your own advice and keep your personal opinions to yourself!, I am entitled to my opinion just as you are!! I dont remember being as rude as you though in my post??!!!???
Still, You have been in Paris a while!!
'''When in Rome'''' (Or Paris for that matter)
Anyway,
With regards to the original post..we have had a great experience with the education here in france as have a lot of other people...ask around and take in all the information then make your own 'Intelligent decision'...

You could always stay in uk?

Al..