Nurseries and primary schools in Wheathampstead

[33goingon64]

Moving to W'std from St Albans in a couple of months. Have questions about nurseries and schools.

Have secured a place for DS at Beech Hyde nursery in the afternoons from September. I need to find somewhere/someone to have him ONE morning per week so that I have one full day to work in London.

Question 1: does anyone know anything about Rainbow House and Yellow Star nurseries OR know of any good childminders who might have one morning per week (any morning will do)? Would have to drop him off at Beech Hyde for 12.30 having had lunch.

Question 2: with regard to primary schools, I gather that with all the new housing in W'stsd that there is a good chance we wouldn't get into either Beech Hyde or St Helen's schools and that High Beeches in Harpenden and Sandridge schools have been taking W'stsd kids who don't get places in the village. Does anyone have RECENT experience of this and can offer advice on the application process i.e. do you get 6 choices and if so what's the best thing to put down? With St Helen's I have seen there is an application form on their website so not sure if that's in addition to the Herts CC system or if Church-funded schools aren't part of the usual application process.

To add a complication - we are NOT churchgoers so shouldn't really be going to St Helen's, either for our sake or the school's (have heard it's VERY godly) but if it's significantly 'better' we might apply anyway, being honest about our beliefs and hope for the best. Please, no judgements - we're just exploring options.

I have looked on websites and read Ofsted reports but they only tell a very small part of the story.

Sorry for the essay. All advice welcome.

Hi there, I can't help you with the schools you ask about but I'm sure someone on here can.

I just wanted to say re church schools - I don't think anyone could judge you for being honest. You just want a good education for your child. Church schools have their own criteria has well as sometimes having to adhere to the council system. I know it sounds obvious but it's best to ring the school. You might have to apply through the council and fill in a supplementary info form for the school.

Church schools take children from religious families, but they usually can't fill all their places with these children and often take families who don't go to church to fill their places. I think as long as you are honest and you respect the beliefs and values of the school then I don't think anyone can judge you.

Thanks Rainbow - that's really helpful. Are you local?

Neither nursery would do afternoon BH pick up / drop off you would need to find a childminder. Yellow Star would help if you had mornings. You may be able to help.

Depending on where you live you may struggle to get into BH as next year there are lots of siblings. I love the school though. SH is very godly but you can get in without going to church especially as there is two form entry now. As I said depends on where you live. High Beeches is a good school and think Sandridge is too.

PM if you don't want to out yourself on here.

Thanks for the replies. In fact Rainbow House does do drop off and have sorted one morning per week there now. Thank you for the schools advice.