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Original poster

How can I help my son get into a good school?

36 replies

Oopsie · 22/10/2011 15:53

My son is nearly 18 months old and seems to be very bright indeed and well ahead of other babies we know. He met virtually all his milestones early and already and can already count beyond 10. I would love for him to go to St. Pauls or Westminster. What can I do to increase his chances? Does anybody know which pre-preps have the best record of getting children into those schools? Any recommendations of tutors who work with this age group?

Thank you!

OP posts:
rainbowinthesky · 22/10/2011 15:56

You are not seriously suggesting a tutor for an 18 month old? Dear Gawd, I've read it all now on mumsnet.

reallytired · 22/10/2011 15:58

"Any recommendations of tutors who work with this age group?"

18 month old baby... [hhmm]

I take it that this thread isn't serious.

BOOareHaunting · 22/10/2011 16:00

He can count by rote? IE repeat the numbers? But does he understand their function and can he use them functionally?

My DS didn't speak more than about 10 words before he was 2 but by 27 months could rote count up to 14. He is no maths genuis just has a good memory for numbers.

I agree a tutor for an 18 month old is not really advisable. Get your HV advice on what to do.

Gigondas · 22/10/2011 16:03

Hmm maybe just encouraging him to keep learning.
Domt know any pre schools specifically but most with a good rep have long waiting lists (usually need name done before kid is 1 for reception entry).

Also both the schools you mention have wide admission and it's usually much more ablout kids development when they are at requisite entrance age - development includes all types of areas as well as the obvious academic skills and usually involves interview. Hothousing kids as you describe rather than encouraging them gently probably counter intuitive.

Fwiw none of the double starred first Cambridge graduates were put through this type of system - they developed and achieved without extra tuitun.

Original poster
Oopsie · 22/10/2011 16:10

Ok, maybe I've asked in the wrong place. It's honestly not that uncommon in NW/W London. I have friends with tutors for their 2 year-olds to help with nursery or 4+ entrance. One employs a teacher to come over one afternoon a week and play with either her 3 or not-quite 2 year-old - whichever is around and awake.

I just want the best possible education for my child.

OP posts:
rainbowinthesky · 22/10/2011 16:13

I'm a teacher and in London. Honestly this is a waste of money and smacks of hugely pushy, competitive parenting.

ragged · 22/10/2011 16:14

Ask your friends, then? Since it's normal in your set, etc.

Gigondas · 22/10/2011 16:15

Tutors at 2? I dont think it is that common and I live in similar area. Yes people help their kids out want to get reading early and may encourage. Quite why the parents / carers can't do this beats me pre age 5. You might want to search for a thread on 4 plus tutors that was on a week or so back (think it was in pre school) as view was as I recall quite scathing of tutors for 4 plus.

Good schools guide prob best on schools as I think it has info on where all pre preps kids go to.

Original poster
Oopsie · 22/10/2011 16:19

Gigondas, thank you. That is hugely helpful. I did not know about that thread and will look for it now. The reason I want a tutor rather than doing it myself is because I feel he would respond better to somebody from outside the family, especially if he goes to their house rather than them coming here.

OP posts:
Original poster
Oopsie · 22/10/2011 16:20

Also, I have asked friends but often the people they use have no vacancies!

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 22/10/2011 16:21

Oh dear. Just play with him. That's what children this age should be doing.

Gigondas · 22/10/2011 16:28

link

Not that I don't agree with belle

Gigondas · 22/10/2011 16:29

Read what carpet lover says

belledechocchipcookie · 22/10/2011 16:32

Seriously, at this age they need to learn how to play. It's very important and will help his education no end. There's no need for him to learn the alphabet and how to count yet, there's loads of time for this. He's more likely to get a place in a good school if he has picked up the social skills that he needs to be in a classroom; how to share, how to play with others etc.

ragged · 22/10/2011 16:33

Then the people they use can probably recommend someone else.

schoolhelp · 22/10/2011 16:34

I'm sorry to have to say that manipulating numbers beyond 10 is nothing. How well does he handle negative numbers? How many languages has he got? But all is not lost, with sights as low as yours, have no worries. Just specify your requirements in the tutor JD and that will sort the wheat from the chaff.

If you really want a worthwhile future for your PFB, you need to think wider though. Wink

cory · 23/10/2011 18:54

The big problem is that you have no means of knowing now what is going to be the best education for him in 5 or 10 years time, because you really cannot know what kind of a boy he is going to grow up into.

Some of dcs' friends who were very bright as toddlers- in that they met milestones early- have never been particularly academic since; pushing them into a high pressured learning environment would not have been doing them any favours.

On the other hand, some children who were quite slow in meeting the early milestones have since shown themselves to be gifted. It's all a bit unpredictable imho.

Anyway, from what I have heard, many of the selective private schools do indeed look for sociability and maturity, for children that are going to fit in and be easy to work with, rather than for the kind of skills that a tutor can teach.

bibbitybobbitybloodyaxe · 23/10/2011 18:55

Otw Grin

Slambang · 23/10/2011 18:58

Poor child

exoticfruits · 23/10/2011 19:02

I think that you must be a troll.Wink (Are you going to own up before this thread gets out of control?)

gladders · 23/10/2011 20:10

if your son is genuinely "very bright indeed" then he doesn't need tutoring now for an exam he will sit in 5 years time........

exoticfruits · 23/10/2011 20:44

Gosh-I have just looked at OP other posts and I think she is serious!
Leave the poor DC alone-benign neglect is best. Give him your time. Do not worry about how bright he is and which school he will get into. Enjoy him as he is-it all goes much too soon.

exoticfruits · 23/10/2011 20:45

You have no idea yet what sort of school will suit him. Deal with the DC you have and not the one you want-they are two different things.

exoticfruits · 23/10/2011 20:45

I agree with cory-take her sensible advice.

Longtallgiraffe · 23/10/2011 20:54

Must admit I'm glad I don't mix with "your set", a tutor for an 18 month old?

Mind you, there are two mums in "my set" who believe the son's education is more important than their daughters, as the daughter "is not going to be the main breadwinner in the family when she gets married".....

God help us.

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