Move to London in Des12/Jan13

[ongik]

Hi. We are Americans, and may move to London in Des 12 or Jan 13. My wife's office is in central London. She is thinking to ride bicycle to work, so distinct from home to workplace should be with in 7 miles /11 km ideally. Little bit more is ok, if other factors are favorable.
Our primary concerns are safe neighborhood for kids, and commuting with bike.
The second concern is good primary school for our daughter is in 4th grade. Considering all the costs, and paying taxes in two countries, we wound like very much to go with the state primary school. I am aware that you have to live in catchment area to have a change to get in to your school of your choice. We also have 17 month old boy, and I may not get a job right away.

Base on our research East Sheen/Richmond/Barnes came out on the top in school and safe environment for kids. It is about 10m/16km bike ride for my wife to work. Other areas that are closer are Hammersmith/Chiswick on the North side. Kensington and Chelsea are more expensive. We also look into Clapham, which only about 6-7 miles (9.6-11.2 km) from her work.

So my questions are:
Is any one has any input on the areas I mention above, as far as safety, and school?
Do you have any other recommendations?
Is it possible to get into state school in mid term?

Thank you in advance. These a bit overwhelming for us.

Sorry been away. Thank for added information.

We live in Ealing and a lot of the state schools here are good. it is right at the end of the tube line (or near to others) depending on where in the borough you are. The rent of £2k a month would be reasonable - but as everyone has said don't forget council tax and utilities on top. Also look at the cost of a monthly travel-card if you think that the journey is a bit too far for a bike the whole way.
There are restrictions on bikes on the underground, but I think folding bikes are allowed on the overground trains.

As Ealing is on the outskirts of London it can be easy to get out into the countryside. There is an overground into Paddington in 10 mins, but the tube takes longer.
If you look at schools, a lot of the primaries are expanding at the moment as there are more children than previously so if you chose somewhere that was expanding that may help.