We are trying to choose which area we would prefer for our next house, and mainly choosing between three areas Area A (at the absolute top of our affordability, but lovely area, great schools, 20 min walk to work; area B (also lovely area, very good primary and secondary schools, a bit further commute about 35 min buseach way), and area C (very affordable, adequate basic primary school and very good secondary, ok bus commute (45 min each way).
I can evaluate all the above criteria but the criterion I don't know the value of is - how helpful is it to a DD to start primary alongside some of the friends she has spent time w at nursery? Because option A would enable that.
Our dd is lucky to be at a lovely private nursery, very unusual and outdoorsy and home like, and I would like her to stay there until primary. Almost all the kids at that nursery go to the school in catchment A.
I am sure kids form new friendships fast, but just wondered how/if those nursery bonds are helpful in smoothing entry to primary? especially since here it seems many people do enter primary with friends from nursery.
I know it's not the only factor though. Just have no idea if a factor at all! She is an only child and rather shy at first so far, which is another reason I wonder if having a few friends make the move to school w her might be helpful. But I don't really know.