Halstow versus Millennium Primary School

[Petals1977]

In the midst of deciding where I'm going to send my lil one in September. We live in the catchment area for halstow and really liked the school when we had a look around recently. However despite everything we have heard we also really liked millennium. Not sure what to do! Go with the school with the proven reputation or take a risk on a school that's on the up! Help! Any advice from parents with children at those schools would be great.

I also live in the catchment area but my kids don't go to school there for various reasons.

Anecdotally, people who have gone to Millennium have been very happy with their children's progress there and there is local suspicion about what would change if anything when the head moved on [left in the past 12 months I believe].
If I had to choose between them it would come down to factors like pollution, outdoor space and facilities, and after-school clubs as I work. I don't think there is a huge difference between the schools educationally.
As someone who grew up outside London, the fact that by 7-8 my children could walk to an excellent school by themselves without crossing a main road would be a huge selling point for me. Whether I would risk it is another matter but it's lovely to see the older kids more self sufficient and hitting the pleasaunce on their way home.

My son has just started in Reception at Millennium and we're so happy with the school. There's a real buzz about the place. We also looked at Halstow but for various reasons, we preferred Millennium.
A lot of it depends on what will suit your child.

I have friends with children at Halstow and they are very happy there and love the school.

Millennium is very inclusive school -there are many children with additional needs and families from many different cultures. The staff are amazing.

I really like that as a parent, you're made to feel welcomed at the school. We parents are allowed in to the reception class room and the teachers always have time for a quick chat. I know that at Halstow (and most other schools) you have to drop off in the playground. I'm not saying either system is 'better' - it's a personal preference thing.

The Y6 results are coming out soon and I've heard the children did really well (there have been some historical 'issues' which as a local parent, I'm sure you're aware of) - although personally I think there's a lot more to primary school than passing exams. Also there's not a massive emphasis on homework but again that's a preference thing.

Tbh, the worst thing about the school is the journey. The roads are really busy and I do worry about pollution but then no East Greenwich Primary school is in a great location!

Good luck with your decision. I remember last year how stressed out I got by the whole thing!

If there's anything specific you'd like to ask, do P.M. me.