I’m absolutely devastated about our school placement

The school without green open spaces where I live IS the private school!

IMO the scruffy schools are where the magic happens. I’m suspicious of immaculate spaces.

OP as others have said, there’s alot to be said for a school that is walking distance. Parking on a school run can be a disaster zone so if you have the option to walk, that will be great. It will also allow you to get to know more people locally and your child will live near their friends which is ideal for play dates and birthday parties etc.

The pros far outweigh the cons IMO. A school doesn’t have to be a show place to be good. My grandson’s school looks a bit rubbish, a bit dishevelled and in disrepair - but he absolutely loves it, his fellow pupils, his teachers, everything. He literally runs into school every morning!

You don't know what school life will be like there, it might be brilliant. Faith schools are often great at the pastoral side of things and creating a culture of kindness. The school gets good results in key subjects. Some of us love been amongst greenery but others really don't care, especially as children, and anyway they have the park to run around in which will most likely be bigger than a school field. Being walkable will make everyone's life easier and increase the possibilities for DC making local friends. Give i a chance - at least you won't be disappointed!

A religious school would be a hard no for me. I would look into every other option including moving.

@Itsallaboutme2021
It’s religious…. I’m not.

There is no reason why would this would cause an issue.

The library was pitch black when we visited and looks like it hadn’t been used in months.

Most school children don't go near the library.

Hell, I was even ridiculed on here when I mentioned studying at the library at university; using a library is a completely foreign concept to many people.

I didn’t pay much attention to anything else as I knew it was not the school I wanted for our child.

It's up to school children to motivate themselves to study and to make the most of their education. It ultimately makes no difference, because children who try hard will do well, and children who don't try won't do well.

We do live in a time when any child with access to a typical desktop computer and internet connection can learn just about anything. That would have been a god send in my day.

My son’s school has the most beautiful library. Hand painted book characters covering the walls, honestly it’s dreamy. Great selling point for an open day! In reality he uses it once a week, when they choose a library book to take home. All other reading takes place in the classroom or at home. Guided reading, story time etc is all done in class rooms. So as much as they have this beautiful space, I wouldn’t say it has a real impact on his learning or reading engagement.

Do not underestimate the benefit of being within walking distance if the school your child will go to for 7 years!

To have to drive or get a bus to go to school twice a day in all weather's is honestly shit.

IMHO the most important thing when choosing a school is being within walking distance of it.

What a nice, lovely, helpful and positive reply 👏🏻

The school actually sounds really good. The only issue I would have is the no green space and using a park. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with them using a public part for regular lessons and play as surely the routine will be known and there may be a security risk to this. I think green space is really important and at dds school the kids have a big playground with green field space, separate green areas with climbing equipment for different stages, a forest school area and an allotment type area where they plant and dig.

Sounds just like my DS old primary school in London. Religious, walking distance, multicultural, just a concrete playground, but next to the park where they did sports day etc, and was great for hanging out after school. It was a great school.

Most state schools can’t afford green spaces; you want that, go private.

Adding an experience of mine - I worked for about 5 years in school admissions for the local authority. One particular high school everyone wanted and the waiting list was massive. Lots of parents upset by not getting in. In October some spaces opened up, children who hadn’t taken their space after all etc.

Could I fill these spaces easily? Almost all the people I called went nooo we like the school we’ve got, they’ve settled etc. I called so many parents before I could fill the spaces!

I hope you will feel this positive when you start and this thread has helped in the meantime :)

Haven't read any replies, but above average results, and multicultural, sounds great. The other issues sound trivial to me

We got our fifth choice and it turned out to be perfect. First choice outstanding school had a bullying problem.

my DH was upset it was c of E but the kids were sweethearts!

@Itsallaboutme2021 * * - I was in your position 2 years ago and honestly, it was so stressful! I was also devastated and cried like you!
I fully understand your worry
I have a positive story though! Our school had 25 siblings that year and we didn’t get in on the 1st or 2nd waitlist run
We got our place in July along with another 4 kids! We were also well within catchment
Try not to worry or also worry about where you are on the list as that can also change, there is so much movement between now and September
I’m sure you will get a place 😊

It is disappointing not to get your first preference, but you have mentioned some real strengths: above average attainment; an intake reflecting the local community; and within walking distance. You are your child’s first and most enduring educator. Some of the drawbacks you mention can be overcome. You can take your child to the park or out in nature. You can visit the local library and read with them every day. You can model resilience and being positive. Read the most recent Ofsted report, have a look at the attendance data and consider behaviour, but otherwise it sounds fairly good.

This. It's above average academically AND it has time to give back with charity works in the community?

We used the park nearby too. And a local running track. Our school was top of the local league table in an area where parents had high expectations.

Libraries come to life when explored alone during lunch breaks in my experience. I bet it's well-stocked. Was it dark because no parents were looking at it so auto lights were off? Or did you think it looked dingy? Presumably you viewed it in the evening- is its lighting designed for day time?

This school sounds like a keeper. But what what did your child think, OP?

A school is so much more than a lovely building or environment - it’s the kids, teachers, diversity, sense of community that give it spirit and soul.

Your sense of pros is wonderful. Lucky child!!

It sounds like a lovely school from what you’ve described!
None of our local primary schools have a dedicated library at all, just a wall or corner in the multi purpose room.
A messy classroom is probably a good sign at primary stage imo. And being in walking distance is such a benefit when it comes to growing and maintaining friendships and letting them gain a little independence when they’re further up the school.

Practical advice.

calm down! 🙂
accept the place then you are sure you have a place for September

try to arrange a visit to the school again, or at least walk past at drop off and pick up to get a sense of how the current cohort seem ie happy, chatting, positive , tells you a lot about their day and expectations of school.

if you are really not happy then make sure you are on the waiting list for the other schools on your application , and check with the LA for any other local schools who have places.

Walking distance is a massive pro
Granted I would hate the religious aspect but you can override that at home. Lots of “well
some people believe…..”

I can’t tell you what a huge bonus walking to school is. Total game changer, especially when your child gets older and can walk themselves. Plus, it’s likely they’ll have friends in walking distance too, another big bonus when they get old enough to play out or call round to each others houses. With my kids this has carried on through secondary and we never need to taxi them anywhere really. Massive plus!!

That OP was a joke????

I really don't think a messy and chaotic classroom is a concern.

It could well be a sign of children learning in a more hands-on / free-play manner