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Schools with an actual (not just stated) caring ethos in Greater Manchester area?

14 replies

brandrethmupp · 23/01/2012 13:47

DD is nearly 6. She can be very shy and introverted altho' this isn't all she is. She's boisterous when anxiety levels are lowered. She has some friends but only 1 in her class and she relies on best friend in another class for company. She's only able to join in with her friendship group if best friend wants her, if friend doesn't she wanders round the playground alone. She also has great difficulty interracting with boys. She clams up if they speak to her. DD's teacher isn't overly concerned because dd is doing weell academically and seesm ahppy whether playing alone or with friends in the playground. This relieves me but I think being in a permament state of slight anxiousness and fear (of not feeling able to join in) is a normal state for dd, so she appears untroubled to her teacher. I think it's probably the equivalent of having permanent back pain but living with it because you know no different. For some reason today it's upsetting me.

I've spent some of today thinking about whether I'm doing a disservice to dd by sending her to her school. There's nothing wrong with the school, it's smallish and friendly. In an ideal world I'd like her to go to a school which sees her introversion as valid with its own qualities, where dd will feel secure. I've read countless school websites and virtually none state what they actively do to support their children e.g. playground friends, anti-bullying activities, circle time etc.

I'd love to know of anyone's positive experiences of schools local to me whether state or independent.
Thanks

OP posts:
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Clawdy · 23/01/2012 16:09

Which schools are local to you?

ScatterChasse · 23/01/2012 20:37

Whereabouts are you a bit more exactly sorry? I can help with South Manchester/Cheshire.

brandrethmupp · 24/01/2012 14:50

Hi both. Thanks for your replies. Ididn't specify an area as we are considering moving and are looking all around the Greater Manchester area. We are in Salford at the monent and if we did move it would probably be to somewhere broadly the Stockport/South Manchester area.

OP posts:
Clawdy · 24/01/2012 16:41

Very good primaries and "outstanding" (Ofsted) secondary,in the Heatons area of Stockport.

ScatterChasse · 24/01/2012 20:40

I can only really help on private schools, although I know Mottram St Andrew primary is lovely (and has just become an academy.

Alderley Edge School for Girls Juniors is meant to be very friendly and caring and I've heard good things about Kings juniors too. I went to Wilmslow Prep and it was fantastic then, but obviously a bit ago now! (It looks like they're having an open morning soon if you fancy a nose around!)

I would probably avoid Ladybarn House, it's a very good (academic) school, but if you're a bit shy and quiet I think you could a bit lost in it. Ryleys has only just started taking girls, and I've heard it described as still being 'rather a boys' school'.

Hulme Hall Primary is very impressive on the caring side, but not as academic as some others and whilst I've never heard anything bad about Terra Nova, it's up to 13 and most go on to boarding schools, so maybe not what you want?

ScatterChasse · 24/01/2012 20:40

Ooh, pleasantly surprised those links all worked Grin

MollyintheMoon · 25/01/2012 00:27

Another vote for Hulme Hall. They might not be as academically focused as other schools but they get good results and have a very caring environment.

In terms of state provision in this area there are lots of good schools in the primary sector but it's worth thinking now about the secondary options.

workshy · 25/01/2012 00:39

highfield primary in Urmston and davyhulme primary (in Davyhulme suprisingly) are lovely schools (both state)
Highfield is a very small school so has a lovely family feel -no wrap around care though

Davyhulme has some lovely grounds and outdoor classroom, they do peer mentoring, have a friendship bench and several other forms of social inclusion which really helps the more shy children

as both schools are in Trafford you would also have access to the Grammar schools

methsdrinker · 25/01/2012 00:55

Beaver rd St. Catherines RC Didsbury , St. Johns RC chorlton all very good caring schools.

methsdrinker · 25/01/2012 00:56

I do apologise for the missing capitals. Peaty ipod

Ceebeejay · 25/01/2012 14:47

If you are looking at private schools your daughter sounds like she would fit in well at Withington Girls. Very friendly school that happily accepts children who are different - I know lots of quiet girls and noisy girls who go there and mix well.

ScatterChasse · 25/01/2012 15:09

She's a bit young for WGS. Transition (the first junior year) is year three. But I agree, it's a wonderful school not that I'm in any way biased, having had seven wonderful years there Grin.

brandrethmupp · 25/01/2012 18:38

Thanks everyone for your replies just what I'm after. I had looked at Withington Girls website, will check fees! Davyhulme sounds lovely. Those were the sort of features I was looking for.

OP posts:
ScatterChasse · 25/01/2012 23:35

Oh good, let us know how you get on Smile

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