education virgin shyly enquires about lewisham primary schools

[motherinferior]

Bitten bullet. Dd1's childminder has returned from holiday, dd2 (3 months) is leaving me very small amounts of time...now I've GOT to start checking out schools in Lewisham. Dd1 was born 2 February 2001; we're not looking particularly for nursery classes, so it's not too urgent but is, I realise, time to get into gear.

I'm in SE6 - nearest school is Rathfern (oops?); am now going through the relevant info from the council. I'll make enquiries of schools, go round, etc etc...but I would very much appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

[tigermoth]

Start going to school events that are open to the public - there'll be lots of christmas fairs coming up.

This is a very good way of looking round school buildings and seeing the children and parents off duty. If you can strike up a conversation with a few of the parents, you should get some home truths about the school.

You could also try contacting local kids clubs, like brownies, cubs, sports, drama clubs, etc. Make sure they do not have an intake from one school only. Say you are new to the area and ask if someone can advise you on the local schools.

Whatever you do, though, do not take one person's view as gospel especially if their child has only gone to the one school. You might meet a parent who has different children at different schools or has moved children from one school to another. If so, get talking!

As you say, you will look round schools so you can to form your own opinion as well.

IME, a good headteacher makes a lot of difference, so try and find out what sort of reputation the head has.

Going on my experience of SE london schools, if in doubt still, choose a smaller school over a larger one.

Will add more if I can think of anything!

[Marina]

A friend is very happy with Holbeach in central Catford. You may know more than I do but I recall there has been a lot of parental unhappiness over plans to downsize or even close Hither Green Primary. The Holbeach friend says that generally Lewisham's primary provision is very good (better than neighbouring Greenwich, she says ), if that reassures at all. I could ask her to mobilise the NCT mafia for more info, lots of them have primary age children as well as babies. I owe you an e-mail BTW!

[motherinferior]

Hey, Marina, I'd be very grateful. And that's interesting about Holbeach, as it's very near us, but it's Key Stage 2 results aren't that great.

Yep, mafia, pleeeze!

[motherinferior]

oh and that should be its not it's. Oh god. Have English degree and all. And make living as journalist. We don't need no education...