Scandi type school

[hannahs87]

In parts of Europe children don't start school until they're 7. I'm just wondering whether there are some school in the uk that do this? I've heard from a friend about a scandi school in London with emphasis on creative play. I've had a google but forgotten the name my friend called this type of education.

Not looking for a debate but genuinely interested in looking into types of education before I settle on mainstream, homeschool, private or alternative.

Montessori schools might be what you're looking for.

I would stay away from Waldorf/Steiner though, even though they also delay the start of more formal education until 7 ish.

Do look at local primaries - well rated and poorly rated ones. DS1 was all set up to go to one until we moved to Germany (where he started at 6 - it is usually the year they turn 7 in most of these countries), and I didn't feel that the UK school was too full on in terms of expecting too much from the children. It was a very gentle swap over from the nursery class, to reception, to year one. I think he would have thrived there, and it wasn't briliant if you went by Ofsted.

@BertieBotts thank you! I've got a few years yet but just looking at all types for now so I can make an informed choice. We're planning to travel for a year at some point so he'll be home schooled during that time.

International schools (ie the IB programme) approach things differently so worth a look.
Or places like Bedales (there’s also prep and pre-prep).

I’d also say that starting school at 7 is often misunderstood. Children in those countries go to kindergarten before then and they do learn. It just isn’t called ‘school’ at 5.

Oh, and generally explore prep schools wherever you live. They have different ethos. We’re choosing a school and locally have some that do weekly forest school, there’s lots of outside play, trying out hobbies and sports etc One of them only sets homework in Maths and English with the view for children to have plenty of time for music, art and sport.

@JoJoSM2 that sounds like a lovely school. We've still got a while off as he's just one but we're willing to move around the country for the right place.

Do you mean this school?

Looks like the school is based in a church, doesn’t have own facilities and about 30 children on roll in total...

It's a Swedish school in Barnes, SW London. It follows the Swedish curriculum but as far as I understand is teaching in Swedish and mainly open for rich Swedish kids.