LAST EDITED ON 23-Aug-03 AT 07:42 AM (GMT) I don't know about any laws etc saying they need to start on the first day so don't worry about that too much. An idea could be for one of you to go ahead and find somewhere to stay so the children can start at the beginning of term. Someone in the area may be quite pleased to get another months booking for their gite and offer you a good price! (Not self promotion as I'm not in your area - and don't have a gite to rent!) If that's not possible then I imagine if you let the school know they'll arrange their introduction when you (and the boxes) finally arrive. Good Luck -Keep Calm Fiona