Choosing an infant school

[mrsrdowneyjr]

I am the world's most indecisive person and am therefore having a nightmare making up my mind about the right school for my eldest, who starts in September. She has a place at the local infant school - just around the corner, she knows other kids who are going there, perfectly good results, other parents happy, but I don't like the head and just don't feel that happy about her going there. The other plusses I've mentioned are big plusses though. Alternative is the most sought-after school in town, really bright and dynamic school and head, great results, love it. But, would have to drive there, she wouldn't know anyone (one or two, but not best friends) and she thinks she's going to the local school anyway. We are first on the waiting list so likely to be offered a place. She has two younger siblings, so they would get in where she goes without all the stress etc. Any advice gratefully received...please!

Ask to meet next year's Reception teacher at the round-the-corner one and see if you like her - the class teacher will see dd (and you) a lot more than the head will.

And bear in mind that heads may move but the school building won't - the nearby school may improve but the far-away school will never get closer.

I'd always choose a walking school run over a driving one, esp with three kids to get in the car...

im with mrs badger - im not sure the head will be such an influence on your childs day to day teaching - meet the reception teacher to make up your mind

walking is great for so many reasons but mainly for you!! try a peak-hour drive in the rain to see the grim reality!

both sound good - you are lucky to be in such a great position!

it can take a term or so to make new friends so that might be a reason to stay local, but i think they all get there pretty quickly so not the end of the world

Don't think i would make the decision on a school based on her not really knowing anyone they soon make friends. I chose a school that i had to drive to rather than a walk to school because of results and the fact that the drive to school had much smaller recption intake than the closer school. I think you should trust your gut instinct and if you alrady feel unhappy about her going there i would say go with the drive school.

I was in exactly the same situation as you and in the end I chose the school round the corner. Its lovely being able to walk to school and my son has got to know loads of local kids.

Same here. We chose the local one which has frankly mediocre results but puts us right in the thick of the local community and has a lovely, supportive atmosphere where all the kids seem to look out for each other. And the walking is great. Lets off steam (mine and hers) and gives us a great opportunity to get to know the other families that walk the same way.

I'm not wild about the head either, but the Reception teacher is great and DD1 is loving school. I figured that I knew she would be happy there and if she is not being stretched we are smart enough to make up for it at home. And she'll still only be just turned seven when she leaves, so it's not like it's for life!!