How important is primary school - good or outstanding school?

[dollydoll50]

Hi,
We face a bit of a dilemma. We love our area, but the schools are good at best OFSTED rated, many are 'improving' which can be good or not so good.

I visited an 'outstanding' school the other day, just out of our catchment and now I really want our DD to go there. It is as good as a private school I think. I went private from 4 years, so I feel i am comparing everything to this. We would have to move, which is ok as we are moving anyway, but we were going to stay in our area. This would mean a slight shift.

So my question, how vital a foundation is a primary? Is good good enough? Everyone wants to give their child the best but is good to oustanding going to make a huge difference in setting them up for secondary?

Love opinions from people who have been through the primary system or going through it....

My dd is at a good primary. I don't have any experience of an outstanding school, but I don't feel that she has missed out because of this. I know the ht was disappointed not to get outstanding at the last inspection because he consistently gets over 90% L4, some years 100%, 40% L5 and some L6 with a challenging inner city cohort. Most children go onto good secondaries and have the basic skills needed to succeed at this level.

I don't think her experience is comparable to a prep school, but the classrooms are quiet, well managed and children know what is expected of them.