Would you choose a school that does not have much outdoor space?

[Sallyssss]

We have a lovely prep school for our children. They have an almost montessori feel to it and are very nuturing. Classes are small and it seemed a really happy place. However, it doesn't have very much outdoor space, although it's time tabled to maximise it's usage. I do have a very ENERGETIC little boy and I am not sure it's right for him.

Has anyone had experience of this?

All pre-preps around here seem to be in old buildings with very little space around them, which is a real shame. It has put me off a little tbh....

I have a ds (4) and he needs LOTS of space to run around in at playtime

Sally does the school begin with C?

No, it's St Olaves in Eltham.

Lovely school just not much outdoor space.

Ah, don't know it. I know similar schools and personally if I had a ds (which I don't) I wouldn't be keen. I think boys need to run around, like dogs

I chose a school with massive fields and a big astro turf pitch, have DS1 7 and DS2 3, and DS1 loves it, he is on the field all the time, before, during and after school.

We are in Cheshire so space is not really an issue, but I think it suits him having the space.

Do they go and use any other schools field or the local leisure centre instead?

I looked at a few prep schools and rejected one on the basis of the small playground (it was basically a house with a garden that had been converted). I have walked past it during their playtime to see gangly year 6 boys pacing the perimeter like caged tigers. On the other hand, at the school DS is going to there is a very generous playground, and when they chuck them out of the classroom door they immediately start running, using up the whole area. I really do think boys need frequent access to space, it's not enough to use local sports facilities a few times a week.