Turned down private school place for state school with 30 to a class. Reassure me I did the right thing!

[pigswithfludontfly]

I'm worried that ds will be lost in a class of 30. I know there will be an assistant but the private school had a far lower ratio of staff to kids.

It had drawbacks too hence choosing the state primary.

Any reassurance that dc's don't get lost in such big classes!?

[pagwatch]

pigs
FWIW two of mine are in private but unless you are incredibly lucky and get your perfect perfect school there are always pros and cons.
If class size is the only issue then just remember the vast majority of children cope perectly well- and then focus on all the other reasons that you chose that school.

Its always easy to second guess yourself but trust that your first instinct was right for your DS

[ajandjjmum]

Presumably you had good reason for making the decision you did?

[LaurieFairyCake]

does he have special needs that need to be raesed and addressed with the school?

[mrsruffallo]

There are a few parents I know who had this concern- I wouldn't worry, it has worked out well for all of them, and their children are very very happy
Don't panic- I am sure it will all be fine.

[pigswithfludontfly]

I know I'm just being a wuss who is having last minute doubts and I'm sure if we'd gone to the pre-prep I'd be having doubts in different ways...

Ds is the kind of kid who likes monopolising teacher time and asking a squillion questions so I guess he might get a bit lost in such a big class. Not the end of the world though.

30 just seems like such a lot of children. I know it's the norm though.

No, no special needs that I'm aware of Laurie.

[mrsruffallo]

pigs- It's normal to have a wibble after making such a big decision.I know that I do it all the time.
He''ll have to learn to put his hand up, but good teachers love inquisitive kids, believe me!

[smee]

pigs, if it makes you feel any better, I was chatting to a prep school teacher at the weekend, and it turned out my son's state primary has a far better ratio of staff to children. She has 25 in her class, no TA, plus no help with two kids who she thinks have Special Needs.

[AMumInScotland]

If DS is as you describe, he doesn't sound like the sort of child who allows himself to be "lost" in a big class! More of a worry are the quiet ones who never ask questions or volunteer to answer, but even then the teachers will be watching out and making sure everyone is getting the right level of attention.

[edam]

ds has been in a class of 30 for two years now (he's in Yr 1). School is excellent, he loves it and is doing really well.

I think most state schools have TAs as well as teachers in reception and early years - not sure if it's universal, but ds's does.

[pigswithfludontfly]

Wow Smee - I'd be really annoyed about spending my money on fees for a ratio like that in a private school.

AmuminScotland - well he can withdraw and go all shy sometimes if he's not comfortable. But yes, let's hope the teacher will spot that.

[smee]

I was a bit taken aback too. Made me smile though I have to admit

[spokette]

Pigs

DT2 started receiving special 1-2-1 support after 6 weeks of being in state primary school. His developmental problems were quickly picked up, assessed and he was given the necessary support he needed.

In a class of 30, as well as the teacher, there are two TAs.

The school imo, is fabulous and both boys are thriving. DT1 can even write simple sentences (The cat sat on the mat etc) with punctuation marks and is obsessed with using the exclamation mark.

Trust me, your DS will be fine.

[mrsshackleton]

I've done the same as you even though it meant losing £5k to the private school in question (deposit plus a term's fees )

I was helped in the decision by someone with loads of expert knowledge on schools saying whichever I chose I'd have regrets and to be aware of that. Having said that she then advised the state school, and didn't even mention class sizes as a potential drawback

Remember if you don't like it you can always move him to a prep school and if you do, then great. Good luck

[pigswithfludontfly]

Mrs S, your last para was certainly my thinking.

[Litchick]

It sounds like you've already done the pros and cons list and decided to give it try.
So do exactly that. Give it your best shot.
And if you're not satisfied you can move. Children join my DC's indie school all the time from state schools. Yes, they find it a little tough for starters but apart from one I can think of they've all settled in after half a term.