How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Hey up in BE land

So looking at moving end of October. My mother in law, in a monumental act of good will, has said that she will take the brats off our hands for that final month before we go to..a.get them out from under our feet...b. Try and settle them into a new school (providing we end up living near her)... so my question what do I have to do when in order that my kinders don't go back after the summer holidays? Anyone got any experience?

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I don't understand. How will she settled them into school unless, is she already in NZ? You need to clarify what you're asking!

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Sorry BB I will go stand in the corner for a bit....she is an NZ resident and lives in Raglan and despite my preamble of an explanation the question is at the bottom of the post

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I'm sorry but I am still confused.

so are you asking about in the UK or NZ?

Schools here don't go back to school until around 16th October from a two week break.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I'm asking about the uk, what steps do I have to take to ensure that I don't get polite knocks on the door because I've not sent my kids back to school after the 6 week holiday

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

aahhhh ok

if you have already booked your flights or have your visa in place just tell them now that such and such a date will be their last day as you are immigrating. We did this and the school put on a little leavers do for my two,

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

So are you talking about your kids heading to NZ without you for the month?

As for what you tell the UK school, you just tell them your kids won't be returning after the hols as you are emigrating. Nobody will come knocking!

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

My eldest son's secondary school wanted confirmation that he was enrolled in another school, but the primary school didn't care.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Yep as above, once you have a 'last day of school' date that suits your plans you just put it in writing to the school, my kids school did a lovely leavers fuss for both kids, however I would caution against too much fuss / holding on too much to the old school with communications etc as it can be quite upsetting for the kids.

My kids were out of school from 14/10/16 and started NZ school 1/2/17 there's no rush, take the time to settle and explore together, T3 ends 29/9 and starts up again 16/10 or there abouts for most NZ schools I imagine maybe that will help firm up your plans.

I don't really think its necessary for them to be away from you for a month during what will be a massively emotional time for them, to me its risking the whole move turning sour... my daughter is five, she has all her extended family here, grandparents that adore her, if she is over tired and has a fall or a scraped knee etc its all New Zealand's fault and it would never happen in England and she just wants to go back to her proper life... granted in true five yr old fashion it passes as quick as it comes on but its a very emotional time.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I don't really think its necessary for them to be away from you for a month during what will be a massively emotional time for them, to me its risking the whole move turning sour... my daughter is five, she has all her extended family here, grandparents that adore her, if she is over tired and has a fall or a scraped knee etc its all New Zealand's fault and it would never happen in England and she just wants to go back to her proper life... granted in true five yr old fashion it passes as quick as it comes on but its a very emotional time.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the advice.....mine are 14,12&8 and whilst I get where your coming from I think having them go before us is the option that causes the least stress all round however plans can and do change still only part way through what I need to do....the great job hunt is on

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Yep that's the one

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Cheers Mrs F that's not in place yet as the great job hunt is on but thanks for the info

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

If your children are not resident in the UK you are not required to send your kids to school there, and it's none of their business whether they go to school overseas. However, it's good manners to tell the school and might be wise if you find yourself back in the country due to unexpected circumstances.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I wouldnt do that, huge emotions, looooong flight on their own by the sound of it? You talk about kinders so young children? All sounds mad so maybe Im misunderstanding what you are suggesting or asking about.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Ah seen the ages now, certainly Id advise against sending them ahead, they will need your support at a time you wont be there.

I would, and did, leave them in UK school until the last minute to give them structure and distraction, then farewells and departure with us. Worked for us.

Cant stress enough I would not send them ahead of you, even with MIL in NZ.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

oh my would never of entered my head that I would send them first even with family here, do they actually know this grandparent, spent time with them?

My kids would probably of just got on with it but I would not of been able to function I don't think.

But only you really know how your children would cope. Also sending them early may have extra costs for schooling? is your partner a NZ Citizen or at least have PR? if not the children would need to pay international students fees I would assume ??

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

An interesting discussion so far...let me add some context my wife is a Brit and will be on my pr visa as well as the kids. They see their grandma every year and worship the ground she walks on. We are an ex army family (I used to be a squaddie) so moving is not something they aren't used to

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Recognise the mindset. My kids happily travelled unaccompanied back and forth from UK boarding school long haul eg Cyprus, Hong Kong and Australia from the age of 8. The airlines look after them well and I haven't noticed any serious psychological impairment :-).

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I looked into unaccompanied flights but I think the MIL has plans to come over and stick up on British essentials (as at the moment we are her main supplier of these) so the would in all likelihood fly back with her...as for impairment they are nuts already so doubt we'd notice

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

Lol thats comparing a glorified bus journey with emigration? The issue is the change the children perceive, but hey OP can take advice or not as they see fit, everyone's circumstances are different.

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

I certainly can .....of course another question coming off this is..as in the main visa applicant can the kids even pass the boarder without me?

Re: How early did you take your kids out of school
 

They should be able to come in fine I think - presuming any usual UM requirements are met for and by the airline. Don't forget ESTA's if coming via the US.

But do bear in mind they may be treated as International students until you arrive, that might be quite an impact and you should firm that up...the fees associated aren't cheap and may even be non-refundable IIRC.