Moving from mainstream education to steiner education

[Lexiesmom]

My daughter is in reception at a lovely private school in Blackheath. She has very anxious, biting her fingernails, chewing her hair and her confidence is plummeting. We believe it's school related, as she is struggling to read and remember words. We had a look recently at the Greenwich steiner school and am contemplating moving schools for her sake (and little brothers). We are planning on moving home to Canada in a couple years and the steiner is more inline with North American education (starting at 6). I am hoping for some feedback regarding the steiner school. (And yes I am aware of the bad ethos of the school system.)

So sorry she is having a hard time. Poor little one.

Before you make a school move - have you eliminated other possible causes for her struggling? Have you checked her eyesight, hearing, etc.? I don't know how you'd go about checking if she has a memory issues, but there must be a way?

I am only saying this because if something else is going on - just moving her to another school system will only delay sorting it out.

Steiner may be in line with Canadian schools on timing, but the similarities end there. For me personally, any school that considers bullying a normal behaviour, and a punishment for "sins in previous life" - is just not acceptable.

If you are looking for an alternative education - have you considered Montessori? Or a state school - there is a lot less pressure in the early years there.

What does the school say? They must have some ideas of what could help her?

Hello there,
We very nearly sent DS to the Greenwich Steiner school. We looked round it and loved it. Even DH liked it and he was very cynical! It was a tough call but in the end we sent him to a state primary.

I know people with kids there and they're very happy with the school.

My niece also went to a Steiner school (not the Greenwich one) - but transferred to a private school aged 7. My SIL got fed up with the: 'knitting and lentils' (her words!).

I believe that the Greenwich Steiner school is one of the more 'progressive' in that they - gasp! - allow computers in the Senior years.

Do you know much about the Steiner philosophy? If not, I would really recommend you do some research so you're fully aware of what you'd be signing up for. I won't say more than that.

You do know that the children don't do a full week of school (i.e 9am-3.30pm) until they're about 9? Personaly I think that's a good thing but obviously can be a problem for working parents.

Plus TV is frowned upon - but not actually 'banned'. And most parents haven't inoculated their kids.

I'm not sure where you are in Blackheath but there are some good state primaries you could have a look around? Although catchments are tiny. I also know kids at Blackheath private schools and there is a greater academic expectation of them in Early Years/KS1.

And I think there's a Montessori school next door to the Steiner school? Good luck!

Not sure what age the Village Montessori goes to but it's the sort of place you dream of. Do have a good look at it.

I don't think there's much about Steiner that's in line with Canadian education, apart perhaps from the later transition from kindergarten to school 'proper'. Like any educational philosophy it has its good and bad points, but it is a philosophy and if you personally don't share its core beliefs and practices it won't work for your family.

I also think you need to find out what's behind your DD's anxieties before you move. My own ds has anxiety linked to his autism and I don't believe Steiner would help him one bit. And I'm actually quite well-disposed to Steiner!

Why not send her to a state school - maybe her school is too pushy?

Do you know much about Steiner? It really isn't like Canadian education. There was recent thread where someone from the Greenwich school debated it at length with another poster. Have a search.

Not sure which school, but so.e of the Blackheath schools are fairly hardcore. Have you thought about another mainstream school?

OP, you need to do a lot of research on Steiner and local state schools before you make a decision.
Have you heard of anthroposophy?

Stainer has worked for other children I know who have not settle into into other schools; specially during primary. Is this something new? or has she always been anxious? If she is very anxious a private school may not be the best for her as there is more pressure and competition from an early age.