Altrincham/Hale/Timperley schools - year R

[Crasterwaves]

We are possibly moving to this area after a change in OH's role. We have one ds about to start reception who has had a rocky start to preschool and will need a very nurturing environment. We are resigned to not getting in to good state primaries as we've missed the cut off, so are looking at private.

Our concern is that schools like hale prep/Forrest although they look nurturing might be very exam focused in the later years because of the local 11+ system. Has anyone got any experience of these/other relevant local schools or could suggest anywhere else with very good pastoral care and kind teachers?

Ds is ahead with reading and writing and number work according to the current school, but very behind emotionally / socially and anxious.

Anyone?

Will pm you !

Hi OP there are a lot of good local state schools in the area. My DC went to Stamford Park and loved it and I've heard very positive experiences at Well Green, Cloverlea and Heyes Lane. All schools will want good SATS results so there will be pressure in Y6, and many will try the entrance exams and be tutored in Y5 but this doesn't impact on Infant schools. Reception and Y1 and Y2 are still nurturing.

Re Hale prep. I have no personal experience but a mum from swimming class told me her DD started doing Bond papers in an after school class in Y2. Scared the bejeezus out of me and made me investigate tutors for my DC for Y5.

Two that is very useful info, thank you. That chat about bond papers does sound worrying!

Name, thank you - will go and look at my pms now!

Name - would you mind pming me as well. We are also looking at these schools and APS. Thank you :-)

Pocket, what is your thinking so far? Would be v useful to share ideas - we can pm if you prefer!

Final bump - anyone any ideas?

All the state schools in that area are good and spaces do come up so I'd contact the LA and have a chat. Trafford LA are very helpful. The preps in that area are all about getting DC ready for the super selectives so expect that. That's what people are paying for. A friend of mine looked round some and the HT at one told her that that was exactly what parents expected. His role was to run a profitable school and protect its reputation as well as educate the DC and academic results was what mattered - how many got into top selective schools.
I'd also post on primary ed board as you may get more responses over there

I know people at Bowdon CofE, Bollin, Stamford, Heyes Lane and StH etc - all very happy

Namechange - thank you for your message. :-)

Casterwaves - thinking along similiar lines to you.