Hi, stressing about south Islington primary school options. DD just 3. got letter from Dallington re poss offer coming up for Sept 2017. (This would basically be the year before Reception, we would otherwise apply for state primary reception in jan 2018, for entry sept 2018). Totally unsure what to do.
Really loved dallington although had some reservations still about things like no outdoor space and possibly lack of structure and rigour in the later years. but very keen on the earlier years approach. Loved the science teacher who I thought was super inspiring, and the flexible approach to learning (lots of trips out eg to Heath if teacher thought weather nice and kids could learn). Improvising and doing innovative things etc. Obvs £££ but kids would hopefully get more in terms of trips, variety, flexibility, add-ons than they would with state.
Not super sold on private education per se, totally happy with state if we get a good offer. but would have to decide on dallington prior to even applying for reception. would mean moving DD from her currently good nursery attached to childrens centre/state primary (where DS is also). if we ended up not liking dallington would then mean another move after that! and would mean 2 drop offs earlier than otherwise as well. (rather than only having 2 separate drop offs when DD starts reception in sept 2018).
Our state options are OK, (nearest is catholic we have no hope of as not religous), but one v good favoured by middle class families and another, up and coming less MC, rebuilt but seems to have a huge amount going for it. but growing increasingly disillusioned with the gov't approach to state education, over regulation, loads of testing and poss cuts really threatening the stability of schools etc.
Advice please! looked at lyceum but didn't like it. Not keen on either a commute for school or what I think seem like the ridiculously silly "select age 3 then hothouse the shit out of" which seem to be the highgate/hampstead type schools. Not many other options near us! (don't want to consider gower, childrens' house seems ridiculous with its age bracket and the hourly structure, rosemary works seems just a bit iffy, is there anything else??)
we are technically probably middle class intellectual types but I only would select private based on quality of education and appropriateness of provision for our child's needs, don't give a toss about the "types" my child will mix with...
We didn't put in any applications before birth etc as I thought this was just insanity, preferring to choose schools once I know what my children are like and will need/benefit from. Now wondering if a total mistake.
Please anyone with experience of these schools etc pitch in with what you know of them! thank you. the state ones near us are St john's evangelist, moreland, hanover, rotherfield, laycock, william tyndale (would not get offer), etc.