So how do I decide which primary school....?

[deckchair]

We have to send back our forms quite soon and I still dont know which school to send DD to.
We have looked round 3, 1 I would happily discount for various reasons, but the other 2 have pro's and cons and I need some advice.

School A and school B have similar OFsted results if that matters.

Dd attends the preschool bit of school A and of course the transition to reception I suspect would be a bit easier. In addition, it's a bigger school and maybe slightly easier to get to.
On the down side, some of the children who are down to attend I hear swearing and some have even been told off for swearing in preschool. I don't know if this is the edge of the problem ifkwim.
Headmaster is approachable and seems quite disciplined which I like.

School B is smaller with shared classes, small outdoor area compared to school A. The headmistress made me feel like we were a burden when we looked round and not approachable and professional as I would like!!
Plus, over the last few years there has been a large number of staff turnover within this school.
However, I know a few parents and children attending school B and they are "nice" and know they would react the same as I do to the idea of a pre-schooler swearing.

DD is shy, so the smaller school (B) maybe better now, but when it comes to the move to secondary ed, it may be a massive shock.

How do I choose?
Please give me a clue.

Thanks in advance

ps - dont know if I posted this in right topic or not.

Large staff turnover and unapproachable head ring alarm bells for me.
We're looking at schools for DS1. Large town school or small country school? Decisions, decisions...

Thanks ACQ, it really is hard isn't it?
Dh thinks the head and staff turnover may be related which may well be the case.

I wish you luck too. Do you have a preference for your ds?

I wouldn't have school B- the Head is all important. Ask for a second visit to school A and ask the questions that you want reassurance on.

The town school (360 children) is walkable and he'd be going to school with children he's at playgroup with now.
The country school has 70 children, there would about 20 in the Rec/Yr1 class. Excellent outdoor space and I know all the staff as I have worked there.

But we also have politics of applying for a place. I know we will always be able to get DS into the little school, but if you don't put the town school as your first choice you won't get a place there.

I would never choose a school where I was unimpressed with the Head. Good leadership is vital in a school.

Right, I am visiting School A again and have spoke to the head briefly this morning about one or two things that have been niggling me.
He managed to put my mind at more ease and hopefully after the visit I will be in a better position.
So thanks Pisces moon for that suggestion.

ACQ - your decisions sound similar to mine in that they both have good points and the fact your ds would be able to continue to play with his existing friends.
How local is the country school, what about other people who would go there, would he have any local friends to play with in the holidays etc?
We do not live that close to either school and so would always need to be in the car taking dd to playdates etc (presuming she has some of course