Just got offered first choice primary school!!! What should we do?

[Foxinsox2]

We just got offered our first choice primary school - a lovely CofE, outstanding primary about a mile away from our house (7 min drive). We have already accepted our second choice, a community school (nice, happy and with new very good new head but big - 3 and 4 form entry - and a little bit rough). It would be SO convenient to go to the school around the corner (which gets good Ofsted) and my DD knows more people going there and feels happy in her home environment BUT the other school is just lovely. Also, on a recent open day at the school around the corner witnessed two prospective parents having a screaming match which put me off somewhat! Will mean the dreaded school run with the car though...what d'ya think we should do? We have to make our decision by tmrw am. ARGH!!!

[missmapp]

How did you feel when you first heard/ read about the offer- I think that is the best reactor- were you elated- go for the 1st choice, or where you torn- go for 2nd choice.

It sounds like both have plus points, so it is just down to personal choice really.

Good luck

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Right, I've just answered your phone and it was the boss person (don't now how it all works!) saying that, sorry, they made a mistake and they don't have a place at first choice. How do you feel?

[Foxinsox2]

Haha, it's true. Gut instinct was v happy with CofE school so we will prob go with that! Hope it's the right one. Gulp!

[AlienAttack]

I'm biased, I think a walk to school allows a much better start and end to the day for your DC than the stress of a drive and parking/drop off. But only you can decide if the "outstanding" classification of the school further away is worth the hassle of getting there and uprooting your DD from her "home environment" as you described it.

[fedupwithdeployment]

You could still walk to the c of e school, although perhaps not every day. We're lucky in that DSs go to school 3 minutes walk from home. But DS1 used to be a mile away. He was driven in the morning but we tried to walk most afternoons depending on weather etc.

[Galena]

But a mile is only a 15-20 minute walk.

[GrimmaTheNome]

But a mile is only a 15-20 minute walk
that's nonstop 3-4 mph - adult yes, not many reception kids would do that pace.

But when she's a bit older, maybe with a scooter.

[JugglingChaotically]

DD at primary 1 mile away. We walk! It is a really nice start to the day and chat on the way home. Slowly!

[JugglingChaotically]

Should have said, DD in recepetion 20 ish minutes but we allow 25. With elder DD running late out record was 14 mins!!

[MarthasHarbour]

She will meet new friends

My DS is going to into reception in Sept with only two boys who he knows a little bit. All his friends are going to different schools. Its hard on him (and us as we feel awful) but that is just the way it has panned out (outside of London but a condensed area with lots of catchments etc)

I think you know what you want - you should go with your gut, DD will adapt as she is still young

Congrats!

[mam29]

im 1.2miles each way walking with 7year old, 3.5year old, buggy, scooters traffic takes at best 30mins worst case an hour.

[scarlettsmummy2]

Go with the best education, not the most convenient location.

[starfishmummy]

Surely as it is your first choice school, you have already made the decision that this school is best? So why hesitate now?

[lucysnowe]

We had the same problem! Unexpectedly got into lovely C of E village school a drive away instead of larger primary which was just-about walkable. It was hard as I wasn't expecting to get in, and most of her friends went to the large primary. In the end we went for the village school, and it is lovely, and DD has made lots of new friends. But it is a bit strange not going to the nearest school, and I have lost touch a bit with the mum friends I had. Gut instinct is important, I think. Good luck with the choice you have made!

[mrsmortis]

Unless there is a logisitical reason not to, you can walk to school if it's only a mile. My DD has been doing it every morning since she started nursery at 3.9 (this is our closest school). Sure there are mornings when it's a chore but she's fine with it. We do get the bus home again though as she's still very little and it's a long walk when you've had a long and busy day.

[sparkle12mar08]

A mile shouldn't take more than 20 mins with a reception child on a scooter.

[loveinthemist]

I'd probably go with your first choice. Definitely consider walking sometimes though. Myself and 4DC walk 1.25 miles most days and it takes 30 mins. Do drive sometimes if the weather's bad or have lots going on. Much prefer walking as our town gets really grid-locked with traffic at peak times. Remember why it was your first choice and don't let the location put you off.

[Pancakeflipper]

Our school is over a mile and my elder has to walk it there and back every day until I got my car until year 3. And I often walk to collect them and we have the bestest chats on the way home.
But we walk through fields and quiet residential streets to get home. Would not be as fun on busy noisy roads.

When do you have to decide? Can you sleep on it?

[Foxinsox2]

Thanks everyone. We have accepted the place and did a test drive today at school drop-off time and it only took 5 mins in the car and there were plenty of parking spaces so that really put my mind to rest. Also, the children and parents going in looked really happy. It was all very reassuring. And I will definitely walk it when not in a massive rush (which I usually am). Thanks for all advice - v helpful indeed X

[MarthasHarbour]

Excellent!