Schools in Clonakilty and surrounding

[Maursh]

We are moving to West Cork from overseas. I have primary aged DD and no idea of schooling system let alone schools.

Is it acceptable to send your child to school somewhere other than local village? What are wrap around childcare options
I am looking at St Joseph's in Clonakilty because it has Sherpa kids, great if I am working which I hope to be. I also like that it is all girls. But I am wondering what other options there might be? Rosscarbery is closer.

All advice, good or bad, greatly appreciated. Please treat me as the ignoramus that I am.

Thanks

Hi,

You might get a better response from one of the Irish websites rollercoaster.ie or heymammy.com

Of course it's acceptable to send them to schools other than local village school. I always think it's nice for a child to have their school friends living close by though.

Call into all the schools - try and chat to the Principal in each of them. The Gaelscoil in Clonakilty is very well regarded.

Possibly consider a childminder to collect her? School may have homework clubs - ask.

You might have a harder time getting a response as summer break so principals might be on holidays. A big different from LA is that they are not obliged to find you a space anywhere - onus seems to be on parent to source school place. Schools are in the main Catholic (even if it doesn’t say it in the name) so baptised Catholic children get priority in admissions. This is less of a problem for non-Catholic children outside of cities as there are often school places available. Church of Ireland schools are identified in the name (St X’s Church of Ireland School). They frequently take new arrivals into an area and sometimes have smaller class sizes.

The nearest school to you is often the one people go to, but lots of people will drive a bit extra to send their kids to a smaller village school (smaller class sizes) or a Gaelscoil.

Rural schools might have mixed classes due to smaller numbers so that might be something that concerns you (personally I don't think it matters).

If you'll be living in a town or village your child will probably make friends by playing outside anyway, but it's nicer to live near to school friends. I'm not sure many people from Rosscarbery would send their DC to Clon unless to the Gaelscoil - it seems a bit far.

You'll get to know more people locally if your DC go to the local school.

Local schools are usually under the patronage of the Catholic Church and children will be 'prepared' for First Holy Communion and Confirmation during school hours. This would be in 2nd class and 6th class. Schools start at Junior Infants age 4 or 5. Senior Infants is next and then 1st class so that would be similar to Y2 in England - except very few children would start Junior Infants just turned 4, summer born usually would wait till age 5. It's possible to have children with May birthdays a year apart in the same class.

Educate together schools are non religious.

DC are exempt from learning Irish if they are over 10 or 11 or something like that when they move here.

Bigger schools in towns may be single sex.

Can't think of anything else basic but ask away.

Oh there are no private primary schools that I know of except for a tiny amount of Steiner schools, and I don't think there are any of those in Cork.

It's a late reply bit worth noting that the gaelscoil in clon is multi denominational and is fine with kids opting out in case that's a factor for you