Timeforachange

Hi everyone 

Just wondering who everyone used to transfers their money.  Concerned with not going through a bank. 

Any info would be appreciated 

10 hours ago, thinker78 said:

hi. I returned in 2015 with a child who had done just half a term of formal education in Oz reception! As an August baby, she was also screwed as had to enter Year 2, therefore effectively missing the whole first 2 years of schooling. I was so stressed - not only could she not read or write, she was not used to sitting down for long periods and was used to being outdoors a lot. Fast forward 4 years....

She is now in her final year of primary. Effectively where as most british kids have 7 years of primary schooling she has had just 5. She is also still the youngest in her class. The school have been brilliant with her - she's had a lot of one to one support, and is currently doing great in literacy and all other subject areas. Not the best, not top of the class, but on a par with her peers. 

Maths has and always has been a struggle. Hard to tell if it's because she missed two years of education or if she's just pants at maths. UK maths curriculum is full on and hard though! 

As we end her primary career, I can only say we've had a positive experience despite a) school years going against her and b) being youngest in her class. 

You'll find the UK system (for the most part) is more clued up on SEN and catch ups - they seem to put more resources into this. I'd say schools are more onto things here, although the focus on SATS at the end of primary is stressful. 

Kids are adaptable. The stress now seems misplaced. Overall, she's had wonderful schooling here. 

UK being cheaper - depends where you live! South is expensive. Some things much cheaper than Oz, others on a par. Move somewhere with ok house prices and you'll be ok. Good luck! 

Thank you for your reply. 

That must have been a worry missing 2 years of schooling.  So glad it worked out for you.  

Another person mentioned by holding my son back a year he won’t be able to play sport for his school year as he would be older   This is also something to consider as he loves sports. 

Hopefully everything will be good for my son also.  

Thanks 

On 29/10/2019 at 06:32, Vickie78 said:

I too am returning with an 11 and 12 year old in Jan next year. All I can say is, stop stressing, Schools over there are very good at helping kids catch up, and generally the education is better than the Australian system, it seems daunting and if you over think it, it will freak you out. They will be fine.  Both my kids are bored at their current school as the school work is too easy for them, they get frustrated easily and off the charts for NAPLAN.  The only thing my 11 year old struggles with is Math. Probably gets that from me (doh!) but he's not super behind, he just doesn't grasp some concepts well, and as for their homework I have often commented it is Prep level even at Year 5/6 O.o 

ETA: Sorry forgot to also write when my 12 year old started School here the general consensus was to hold him back as he is "a boy". Huge mistake!  He is a March baby and his brother is July.

 

Thank you.  

Good luck with your move.

I am sure everything  will work out with the schools.  

Thanks 

On 27/10/2019 at 11:52, newjez said:

My youngest just missed six months schooling due to illness (kidney failure). He was 12 turning thirteen. It's been hard work, but he is 14 now and has fully caught up. As long as you have a good understanding school, and possibly get some tutoring, (we didn't), you should be fine.

Thank you 

On 27/10/2019 at 20:59, bunbury61 said:

On the whole ,as I get older,  couldn't see myself living anywhere else .

I could do with 2-3 months away in the winter , but leaving the u.k permanently - no .

Weather is generally improving , and of course we have a vast array of places to visit in europe , only a couple of hours away .

London is down the road for us , train station, doctors , pubs within walking distance.  

Airport within a short distance .

Spoilt really .

Is it perfect , far from it , but I wouldn't want to leave now .

Can I ask when is their birthdays?  My oldest is at the end of July. He misses out staying back a year by 4 weeks.  Even by staying back a year he still misses part of year 8. The other would start year 6 next year but but would start year 7 in September. That wouldn’t be too bad. 

Its so worrying.  I got an email from the council and they said they don’t hold children back.  It makes no sense.  I am sure it will all come good once we get there and speak in person. 

How long have you been back in England? Are you enjoying it?  Do you find it more expensive than Australia?  We are finding Australia to be so expensive these last few years   

Would love to hear your story   

Thanks 

On 27/09/2018 at 09:00, EvieV said:

This is us too right now. Replacing carpets tomorrow then the real estate photos are scheduled for Tuesday. Grateful for a long weekend in which to declutter, although I'm sure I'll be in for a few tense negotiations with the kids over what is actually "essential" and "non-essential" bedroom items ... 

Kazla, I too have a 15 year old whose birthdate is one month off the cut-off date for current Year 10 so she should technically be going into UK Year 11. (She's currently in Australian Year 9 and has been at the same school since kindy). I've spoken to a few schools in the UK about her joining the year below her chronological year group  - the majority of them have the infuriating "computer says no" attitude. However, two have agreed that to join Year 11 from overseas in January, then sit GCSEs in May is madness and will allow her to join Year 10.

You will need to contact the schools individually and then apply to the County Council (if going state) no more than 8 weeks before you want your child to start.

My son is finishing year 7 in Australia but would have started year 9 in England.  I too am getting the response that they do not hold them back a year.  It’s crazy that he would miss all of year 8.   

This is almost stopping us moving back.  It’s also not easy getting into a school if choice in the UK.  

Do you have any information that can help us? 

On 29/09/2019 at 13:10, Dennyboy said:

I am so pleased for you , i'm in the process of doing it now .

Going for a quick holiday to find somewhere to live and its all systems go .

Got a quote for 3100 for dog and cat which is the cheapest so far , just have to open a bank account check about doctors and that should be it .

Just looking for a decent removal company .

Can I please ask who you are using for your pets? 

Hi,

We are thinking about moving back to England after living in Australia for 20 years.  Our 2 boys are 13 and 11.  Because of their date of births I am finding that they will be in a school year above what they would be in Australia.  My oldest is just finishing year 7 but have started year 9 in September in England and the youngest is finishing year 5 here but would be in year 7 in England.  

I am finding that schools do not hold children back as easily in England than Australia.  Has anyone else come across this?  This will determine if we move back or not.  

How is everyone enjoying living back in England? Do you find it more expensive?  I know the wages are less there but is the cost of living cheaper?  

Any information you can give would be much appreciated.