Moving to Herne Hill with 5 year old son

[Montywaite]

Hi there

My husband is relocating to Kings Hospital for work and so we will be moving to Herne Hill, from Oxford, next summer.

Our son is very settled at our local state primary here in Oxford and so we worry about moving him at year 2 entry point. We have him registered for DPS and Ducks (my husband is a DPS and DC old boy) And looking at local states over next few months to maximize possibilities, givenn that there may be limited spaces at this entry point.

Does anyone have any advice for a concerned mum, worried about how her son will settle in the area? We know Herne Hill/Dulwich well (Grandparents in the area) but would love to hear ideas/advice about how to plug our son into the local kids scene so that he doesn't feel too traumatised by the move!

He enjoys tennis/swimming/rugby/music and loves his current school.

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks in advance!!

[Yanma]

Hi Montywaite: If you're still deliberating about schools in Dulwich/Herne Hill, read on! If you're not and already sorted, don't!:

If there's anyone who's still deliberating on Primary Schools for Reception in September or thinking about moving schools within the area for children in higher years, I can thoroughly recommend Judith Kerr Primary School. I have two DDs there, who are thriving and the parent community is amazing. For me, it fills the gap if you don't want to or can't afford private school fees.

If language is important to you, whether German or not, language provision is SO much better than in any other state primary school. Yes, achieving the goal of bilingual education is a challenge in these straightened financial times for small state schools, but with innovative senior leadership and native German speakers, it is streets ahead of its local rivals and the children really do get a sense of the world beyond London.

The outdoor areas are wonderful and there's a lot of fundraising going on to improve the facilities further. Thanks to Southwark's Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund, we now have a Trim Trail and other play equipment in the fabulous Green Space Playing Field which can be used all year round - a true oasis in an urban London state primary school. There's a veg patch too, tended by the children and parent volunteers and Forest School will be coming soon in the woodland area.

Then there's the broad and creative curriculum to engage every child; an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities and high quality music teaching and good sport provision. All for free! What's not to like?

And then there's the Lecture Theatre to refurbish and the whole basement to develop. Very exciting!
Have a look at what the school provides: //www.jkps-cfbt.org or email [email protected] for more details on admissions or to join the waiting list.