Moving to Manchester

[MaternalMusings]

Hey there

We currently live in Essex - though my OH and I are originally from the North East. We've lived down here for 10 years, after moving down post-uni to work in London.

We are moving to Manchester with work next year - neither of us have been to Manchester properly. Only been through the city whilst at gig's or connecting flights! So have zero clue when it comes to places to live/places to avoid. We have a 5 year old boy who has additional needs (mainly extra Educational support now, though he was born with Talipes, Torticollis and Hypermobility). My only real concern about moving is taking him out of school - as we've only just got him settled with the extra support he's in need of.

With this in mind, I was hoping Mumsnet might be able to help us out with any suggestions of areas to live? We'll be renting until we can get settled and eventually buy. My OH's office is based in the Northern Quarter. And we'd like to not live directly in the city - our current commute is 30 mins, so happy to commute into Manchester, whether that be by public transport or driving/cycling. Are there any 'Village' type areas within this length of commute? Or can anyone recommend schools that might be able to support with our needs, and then we can work out where to live, based on the school?

Many thanks in advance!

xxx

[Zampa]

I live in Timperley and was previously in Altrincham. The former is pretty suburban but the village is ok, with a butcher, Sainsbury's Local, Post Office etc. Altrincham is very trendy and has seen a recent revival thanks to the refurb of the market house in 2014. Kind

Good tram links into city centre (my commute to edge of NQ is about 35 minutes). DP cycles in but it's a bit of a risky endeavour and he submits evidence, from his bike camera, of dangerous/careless driving to the police weekly! Driving takes forever in rush hour.

DD1 has global development delay and Trafford Council have been excellent in providing additional funding and equipment for her. I've heard that Manchester City Council aren't quite as good but have no direct experience.

[EggysMom]

What's your budget?

Is your child mainstreamed with support, or needing a specialist school?

[TwoBlueFish]

Trafford is great for schools. My son is statemented and now attends a special needs high school but was in a mainstream primary. Altrincham, Timperley, Hale if your budget stetches. They’re all on the metro so commutable into Manchester.

[TwoBlueFish]

If you’re looking for special schools for primary then Pictor in Timperley is great. There are also schools with resource units attached and loads of outstanding mainstream primaries.

[MaternalMusings]

My son is mainstreamed schooled - he's an August child and has fallen behind with his learnings (especially as he's so creative and active - he's not enjoying all this work in Year 1!)

Thank you all for your suggestions - will take a look tonight!