Choosing a primary school

[sakshigarg]

Hello Mums. I need advice on primary school admissions, I live in Pinner, Harrow. I am confused between Westlodge Primary school and Grimsdyke school. Please pour in some suggestions about what points to look for before choosing a school. TIA

'choice' in terms of primary school admission is a bit of an illusion. You'll generally get the closest one unless you want a different one an it's under subscribed, or your closest is massively over subscribed.

Things we considered were ease of collection and the wrap around provision as those were significant factors for us. Then we looked round, didn't hate it so put that.

How do they teach reading?

If they have a solid phonics approach that is good.
If they start saying 'oh we used mixed methods as phonics doesn't work well' or 'some of our better readers don't pass the screening check as they have gone past phonics by then' then watch out.

Whose work goes on the wall? Only the better kids, or is a range of abilities represented?

Are the y6 children showing the attributes you'd want from your child when they leave? (eg polite, confident, articulate)

Is diversity important for you? (My DSs are mixed race so it was important for us)
Religious or not?
Do you prefer 1 form entry or a larger school?
More traditional/academic or more creative?
Extra-curricular stuff? More focused on sport or arts?

(We were lucky it was a low birth rate year for our town so really could choose between about 5 local schools)

I am confused as both of the above schools have almost similar scoring for reading, writing and maths. And yes diversity is an important factor for us and they both have a good percentage of Indian and Asian pupils. So don’t know what else to look for which can help me decide. But thanks for the suggestions mums. You were helpful

If on paper they come out pretty similar, which one would be more convenient in terms of dropping off and collecting, after school provision, distance from home? Distance is really the only thing that matters for admissions. Look at the data for previous years admissions, how far away is the last child admitted? How far away are you? Do they have any criteria that might affect uptake such as siblings, faith etc.
Normally I would say, arrange a visit, see how it feels. But that won’t be happening any time soon.
I would also see if there are parents groups on Facebook that you might be able to ask about how things have been the last few months. My kids school (not one of the ones you’ve mentioned) is oversubscribed every year but they’ve been completely rubbish through lockdown. Given that this isn’t going away, I think the overall attitude of the school to adapting is worth considering. Good luck, it’s a horrible time to have to consider all this.

I think you need to ask a local group of mums. Find a local facebook group.

For me I had to visit them and see how they 'felt'. Knew the moment we walked into the one DS is going to that it was the right one, it felt so warm and friendly and the head teacher engaged so well with DS. This was backed up by the inspection report which raved about how friendly and supportive the school is and also by the parents on the school's Facebook group.

Hi mum, Which one did you join your kid to? West Lodge or grimsdyke?