I can't speak for myself as my daughter is only 2 1/2, and was born over here, but my best friend (fellow Amer. expat) moved over here with her children when they were 5 and 8. Her daughters had trouble with schooling at first because they were behind the British children in their studies. It took them a good year or so to catch up to them, so it was a little difficult for them at first. They are now 13 and 16, and doing wonderfully. They have school proms and discos here. Bobbie's oldest daughter just finished school and had her prom this past spring. She attended quite a few discos, as well. They also do extracurricular activities as well. Some schools are even starting to have cheerleading squads. Here in Plymouth they even have an American football team (the Blitz) for the children. As you said though, your son is only 2 so he should be fine. They do start school over here at 4. We are already looking to get Bell enrolled within the next year. I am not liking that a whole lot, as I feel 4 is too young, but there isn't much we can do about it. We were told they need to know all their A,B,C's, numbers, shapes and colors by the time they start, too. We have been working with her on this basically from day one, so she is ready when it comes time for her to start.
My hubby is 43, and said things have changed over here drastically from when he was a young boy. That is why we are repatriating back to the States after he retires from the Royal Marines (25 years) in 2009. Taxes are high, lack of space, most people can't afford to buy their own house. We are one of the lucky ones in that we do own ours, but most of our friends have to rent. The weather is pure crap!! If you are used to sunny, warm, glorious weather than England is definitely not for you...LOL As a matter of fact, this past summer was the worst Summer recorded since records began over here. I wore sweats quite often because it was not a bit warm, and there was continuous rain...which caused major flooding in the center of England.
On the other hand, it is wonderful living around so many old historic buildings. The people (at least here in South Devon and Pimlico - the area of London we are moving to) have been friendly and very welcoming. It is a beautiful country, and I do feel very privileged to have the experience of living here.
|