Looking for relaxed primary school

[caterina3]

Hi,

We are moving back to London in September and we are looking for a primary school for our daughter, preferably zone 2 or 3. We want a school with long recesses and no homework in the first years. Also, no strict detention policies. A school that emphasizes creativity and physical development on top of academic achievement. Open to both state and private. I feel quite overwhelmed by the task, especially because right now I cannot visit any school. Can you please share recommendations?

Notting Hill Prep?

State schools don't have the option of being like this.

More to the point, assuming the OP is looking for a school from September, s/he doesn't have the luxury of choosing a state school but will need to find one with places.

OP, you need to narrow down your 'zone 2 or 3’ a bit (where are you/your partner going to be working? What tube line? Etc), then get a list from the local authority/ies of state schools with places in that general area. Then come back to us with a list of schools and see what people think, plus ask for recommendations of private in that area. You do not want to live too far from school unless you fancy your DC spending a couple of hours in traffic/battling rush hour public transport every day....

All state schools have a morning recess of around 20 mins a lunch recess of around an hour, and for the first 3 years (Infants) often a 15 minute afternoon recess.

It's very unusual to get a detention in primary school.

All schools will set homework of reading every day. Often they'll also set spellings and times tables to learn. Sometimes they'll set more than this.

UK schools are very homogeneous compared to US schools. There's not that much difference from one state school to another.

They also all offer a 'broad and balanced curriculum ' which means your child will do PE twice a week. And will study art, music, RE, history, geography, ICT, a foreign language as well as maths English and science.
They'll have school plays, and other performing opportunities every year.
And general a range of after school clubs. Including sports.

*disclaimer: I don't know London that well but a lot about education...

How about a Steiner school or a Regio Emilia one?

By "long recesses" do you mean holidays? and what do you mean by long?

State primary schools will generally have 2 weeks at Christmas, 3 x one week half terms, (one in Feb, one in May and one in Oct), 2 weeks in Easter plus 6 weeks at summer. All state schools need to offer 190 days (380 "sessions") of school for children a year, or 38 weeks, which leaves around 14 weeks for holidays as above (there are also 5 "inset" days a year which are days that teachers work but students don't, which are normally scattered through the year at points the school determines). So there is very little flexibility in this (academies have the power to set terms and lengthen/shorten days but very few have taken this up).

So state schools will vary little in lengths of recess. If you want longer, you will need go private.

I think recess is American for break time.

and for the first 3 years (Infants) often a 15 minute afternoon recess.
Last two schools I have worked in have cut this because it 'eats into learning time'.

State schools are required to work a specific number of days per year, so there won't be flexibility on that and the holidays will be what every state school has.

The focus insisted upon by the government means that there will be much more emphasis on core subjects and the creative curriculum will be more restricted. There will be homework, but it will depend on the age of your child, as to how much there is.

King Alfred in NW lonon ticks your boxes. It'll be £15-20,000 per year. Very alternative. Its critics say they don't teach the kids much.......

Hi all,

Thank you so much! I had a look at King's Alfred. It definitely meets my criteria. I am afraid I am too late to register as my daughter is already 3. I am waiting to hear from them.

Also had a look at Notting Hil Prep. There is homework but at least they claim they want the children to have a childhood. Even more expensive than Kings Alfred.

A part of me does not feel totally comfortable with the Steiner schools, due to the horror stories online. I need to look into Montessori. Any opinions?

From State Schools, Yerbury from Kentish town has a policy of giving the minimum homework necessary.

I am not sure on the area. My husband will be looking for a job so I prefer to anchor us on the school rather than anything else. Any other recommendations?

Are you totally wedded to being in London? The education scene in London is crazy.

I think you would get much more of what you want from a 'country' prep school. Some that spring to mind- Westbrook Hey, St Andrew's Pangbourne, Barfield and Hoe Bridge.

Also, The Dolphin in Twyford might be right up your street.

King Alfred school sounds the sort of thing you need.

Golders Green, so zone 3, private school.

OP is too late for KAS she has already said so. It is hugely in demand (can't see the reason myself but clearly others can!)

What do you mean by "minimum homework necessary" ? DD's regular state primary school gives none, well it gives some if you want it, but it's entirely optional. DD almost never does it.

Hi OP

It is in zone 1 (at the very south of Islington, just before you get to the City) but I wonder whether Darlington would suit you? Friends of ours sent their son there and were very happy with it.

www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

Argh. Dallington

St Chris Letchworth. Not London but on train line to Kings Cross
London Acorn School.
Horniman Primary

Thought of a couple more
Educare Small School in Kingston
Rosemary Works Islington ish

That's great, what's his school? My understanding is that this varies by school.