to choose DD's school based on friendliness of pre-school?

[TessTickular]

DD goes to two pre-schools, one in one direction, one in the other. Neither are affiliated with the primary schools, but both are closest to the two closest, IYSWIM.

On pre-school is small with very lovely, friendly parents. The other is fine, but parents not in the slightest friendly.

Both schools are CofE. We aren't religious, but only 2 viable options really (both walkable).

The smaller one (with nicer pre-school) is a bit further, maybe an extra 2 minutes. It is one form entry. The other is 2 form entry.

AIBU to send DD to the smaller one? The only thing I have to go by is the pre-school and the size. Both are OfSTED outstanding.

How do people choose these things?

I wouldn't, but if thats your criteria, why not?

If both are outstanding
One is smaller so smaller class size
And has friendlier parents...

I would say that's a no brainer. Smaller one!

And what's 2 minutes
Futher
Anyway except more outdoor time and exercise?

id go for the one you get the friendliest feel from, for sure

I don't see why friendly parents would really be on your radar to be honest.

Now if it were friendly children, I'd say YANBU as afterall it's your child who will be going there.

Unless you're expecting to create some sort of social circle for yourself but even then, I'd suggest you did that away from the school gates.

I would go witht he one that attracts you friendships come and go with other parents i wouldnt base your decision on that , and children make friends ,

Have you visited both schools?

nice parents, usually make for nice children (eventually at least)

No, it really makes no difference to me how frindly the parents are, that's my point.

Kids seem fine in both.

I work so it's not for my socialisation benefit. It's just that there's so little to the choice. We're very lucky that we have the option of two lovely schools.

Wouldn't you be better off applying to both incase you don't get your first choice?

Toss a coin if it helps

Yes, have visited both. Both are lovely. Know staff at both.

DD has been to the toddler group near the smaller one since she was little, so will have known some of her class a bit longer, but would know some from both.

As DinahMoHum says, nice parents often make for nice children. Even if you have no plans to socialise at the school gates it does make a difference if the other parents are all approachable and friendly.

Oh, and both under subscribed.

Sorry, I know we're lucky. :)

I meant to say too that I would go with your gut feeling, and if your gut feeling is suggesting that you pick the school with friendlier parents then chances are it is the right school for your child!

In which case YANBU

Then it's great you're so lucky.

I honestly don't think there's a pin to put between them

Even the 'not so friendly' parents may turn out to be lovely...just not particularly sociable in a school playground.

Sorry not much help but it sounds as though you can't go wrong with either choice

Thank you. :)

There is also a shop near the smaller one. Handy?!

The one you feel comfortable with.
Nursery/reception play dates etc work way better if parents are on the same wave length.

Smaller isn't always better, btw. The balance of age and gender can be a bit weird and facilities may be less good too.

Oh, and shops. Yes, they are handy. Very handy. Especially for your child to pester you about!

Pros of a bigger school - are they better for entry to secondary, do you think? Knowing more people?

It sounds extremely tenuous, the friendliness sounds terrific as an added extra but should not be the deciding factor IMO.

How much time have you spent in the company of these people to judge the friendliness factor, anyway? School gate pleasantries show a very surface view of people, not necessarily the real picture.

Both are undersubscribed, sounds worrrying? I think you should find an oversubscribed one miles away from where you live that you have to drive to every day. Seems to be what everyone does around here.

I'd go for the bigger school. More kids = more money more facilities I'd bet.
Also if loads of them leave age 7 to go private your DC still has a shot at friendships if there are 2 classes.
(speaks from bitter experience)

Not worry, just lots of nice schools around here. Not much need for a private exodus - very few do this.