Daisy

You can't really find out what the childrens' school will be like until you have found out where you will be living and so which school they will be attending.  Some schools are really helpful and some not; some good, some bad (no difference to the UK!) Our local primary gave extra French lessons and the teacher could speak some English, but that isn't standard throughout. Some primary schools have a "maternelle" section for pre-school children.  Perhaps the best way forward is to ask about schools in the areas that you are interested in.  A good school will make all the difference between the children having a positive rather than a negative transition.  I would keep French club going because it will help them to familiarise themselves with at least some words and might help them to settle in.  It certainly can't hurt.  If all goes well, and they realise that it will take a little time to understand what is being said, they should have a grasp of some basic French after about 6 months, and be more confident after a year.  They should be encouraged to have lunch in school so that they can play with their friends - a great way to learn French without any pressure.  Wednesdays are the day off for primary school children, and you will probably find that the local commune will organise fun art or nature based activities for the children on those days.  Our commune issues an agenda for the month and you can book your children in for a very small fee (they give them lunch on that day too).  It will take time, it will feel very strange, but they can repeat a year if they need to, which will probably be expected, so it's really a case of patience. Young children are like sponges, and at their age they should do just fine with time. Regarding earning a living; I would look into it very carefully.  It is a bit of a minefield, and many people have come acropper.  It's very hard to deal with all the paperwork if your French isn't up to it.  You need to know that a lot of organisations here will not speak English, and must assume that you will need French all the way down the line; from attending parent/teacher meetings to sorting out your electric bill.  Do plenty of research and read all the forum postings.  It will help to give you some idea of what it's like here on a daily basis (with a pinch of salt, obviously!) Best of luck to you all!