Primary Schools

[pinklotus2016]

Hi ! Friends
Am going to be moving to Southend with family. I have a 9 year old girl and 7 year old boy. Need to find schools which are going to be close to the Southend university Hospital. I and my family are new to this country and culture....so please guide with even the most basic things. I would also like to know about childcare options. Do all schools have afterschool clubs ? I am looking for a school where my kids get to adjust easily , where education is good as well. However , i don't think i could afford a private school at the moment.
Thanks and looking forward to all the expert advice on this forum !

[LIZS]

You probably need to get the title amended to include the town name, or post on the Local page, to get more responses. Do you realise you only will be offered schools where there is a space in the established age group, so choice may be minimal and they may be placed at different schools. Have you called the Local Authority to find out the in year application process and where might have vacancies, to narrow it down.

[CodyKing]

If you go on rightmove and type in the postcode it will list the schools in the other information - and give the of stead report 1 being outstanding
It also says if it was oversubscribed at intake - so reception or year 7 - but their may be spaces as kids leave -

Then you contact the local authority to see where has spaces available and apply - you can only do this when you have a place to live

School places are based on where you live rather than where you work - appreciate this maybe the same for you!

[CodyKing]

Not all schools have after school clubs - usually y3 cricket Monday y6 football on friday so they don't necessarily match for the children - better to look at afters school clubs or local childminders if you need the childcare

[Coconut0il]

You don't need a private school, you need to visit a few schools near to where you will be living and get a feel for them. You can read ofsted reports but I wouldn't choose a school purely based on this. You can visit and see how you feel about the environment.
When you ring the schools you can ask if they have space in the year groups you need.
Not all schools have a before and after school club but again ask this when you ring. If the school you like doesn't have a club childminders can do school pick ups.

[pinklotus2016]

Thanks friends ....your information really helps. I was wondering whether first to look for an accommodation or shortlist the schools before looking for the accommodation. Also , would my kids need to give some kind of entrance before admission. I guess my son who has just turned 7 will go to year 3 and my daughter who is 9 + will go to year 5. am I right ?

[LIZS]

No entrance test for state primaries. Cut off date is August 31st , ie. If your elder is 9 then Y 5 for 2016-17 academic year. You'll need an address before the LA will accept an application for school places. Don't leave it until end of July as schools will be closed and little will happen before September