Reception places Southbourne

[sturmak78]

Hi there! I've never posted anything anywhere except a letter so forgive me if this is the wrong place to ask advice....!
I made the move from London to Southbourne (huge tick, absolutely love it!) but unfortunately have not managed to get a Reception place for my son due to start next week.

1. Is there anyone in the same boat who could support advise?!
   
2. Would you accept a place miles away and move your child when a place arises at local school or would you home-school?
   I was feeling quite cool about it all but I now find myself choking back the tears at the sight of a school uniform...!!
   Many thanks in advance for any comments/advise/wisdom!

[Voyage]

Never been in the same boat, but hope I can help.

Have you asked the council for a list of schools with places?

I live in Poole, but I might be able to give you an idea of distances and what I know about the schools.

[sturmak78]

Thanks voyage, that's really kind!
The ones with places are several miles away (Heathlands, Christ the King, Elm Academy, Kinson) but I don't have a car. I believe that they'd assist with transport but a journey of that length would pretty much rule out the chance for me to get back into work (I'm a teacher so no flexibility in terms of start times!)
There are places at a much nearer school in Christchurch (Somerford) I have slight misgivings though...I'm not a great believer in Ofsted and its judgements but the 'parent view' is a bit shocking, seems to have very little support from the current crop of parents. Does anyone know much about that? My local school in London was deemed 'inadequate' but the parents were so supportive and the nurturing atmosphere made the Ofsted view pretty redundant in my view.

[TableTableReview]

If they are all too far away I'd be tempted to put your name down on all the local ones and "homeschool" until a place comes up. They dont really need a lot of "schooling" at reception age. Depends if you are able to do that workwise etc? You'd give yourself some breathing space to visit the local ones and get to know the area a bit more?

I'm Poole way so don't really know your schools better to advise. I dont think I'd want to start a reception child and move them within the first term if I could help it as that's a lot of change.

[sturmak78]

Thanks, I think that's the way I'm heading. I really do need to pick up some work but with a long journey twice a day I can't see a way of doing that anyway.
My main concern is disrupting him twice so I'm tempted to keep him at home until a local-ish place arises but then I panic that a place may not come up and everyone will be settled with friends apart from him!

[Lugia]

Can you afford a private school... St Thomas Garnet until a place is available?

[LocalEditorDorset]

Hi there,

Just thought I'd drop in as I know a little about Somerford. The school is close to Mudeford Infants which is very oversubscribed so a lot of local children end up going there and it has improved recently, maybe a visit with your son would be worthwhile?

Have you considered Burton which isn't much different in distance?

Some parents do choose to home school until a place becomes available and keep their child at a local preschool for a few sessions. I don't think you need to worry about the friends situation until later on although it must be a very worrying time!

Are you on a waiting list? Perhaps a space will come up before year 1.

Best of luck and do keep in touch

Michelle