Help me please I'm going crazy

[twolittlelovelies]

I have two children, DS working 1yr ahead DD working 4yrs ahead (according to 3 teachers). I live in an area with over 3 grammar schools which has an impact of the local comps. Current local primary is very small, has a high number of SEN (behaviour and learning ability), a very high number of supply teachers and double yrs (ie. 1&2 together, 3&4 together etc). Both children are bored and find the work repetitive and very, very, very easy. There is no funding for extra help for them or for regular language lessons or to learn an instrument. PE is sporadic and shambolic (not good for any child but especially bad for frustrated boys I think). My quandry : do I move them both to a local prep before it's too late to try to get them challenged and into a better work ethic and disciplined atmosphere? We can just about afford to do this but will struggle and I worry that if DS still fails the 11+ we may have sent him to a prep only to be followed by a very average comp! Oh please someone give me some sound advice. Every day I see my daughter chewing her hair alone in the playground as she's considered a bit geeky because she's bright and proud of it and my son just plays the fool to try to fit in! Help please.

DC being barked at and not engaged would be a major red flag for me, I am afraid. Also if they are in any way afraid of the teachers. The single thing I liked best about DC's school when we looked round was every child being greeted, in a friendly way, by name, by the head "Good morning, X" and the fact that they all happily responded "Good Morning, Mr A" - no nervousness, no giggling - respectful but friendly IYSWIM. If this prep doesn't have that, especially given all the other challenges, then I think I would go back to the drawing board IIWY. There must be other independent schools which do feed into the grammar schools, surely? Have you tried the "Good Schools Guide"?