Sending pfb to large school

[HungryH1pp0s]

Just wondered if anyone else has sent their dc to a large, noisy school and been worried about it? And did it turn out ok?

Reason for my question:

Some of you will hate me for complaining about this ... I am in the very lucky position of living close to an Ofsted outstanding primary which I am confident my daughter will get into...BUT now the reality is coming closer I am getting worried. It’s an intake of 90 and VERY noisy as they seem to have a lot of free flow between the classes.

My dd’s Pre-school teacher thinks she struggles to hear well in noisy environments, and it’s true that it can be very hard to get her attention when it’s noisy.

She also only seems to play with other children if she’s in a very small group - at preschool she hardly talks to the other kids (and that might be because she can’t filter out the background noise).

I know a lot of kids grow out of this sort of problem but I keep thinking what if she doesn’t? And then doesn’t make friends or learn anything?

(I did ask the primary school teacher and she said dd’s Pre-school often raise this sort of issue and then the kids usually turn out to be fine, and if not they would know how to help her.

Also did have her hearing tested and it was fine but they don’t test it with background noise).

Thank you. They do split them into groups and they do take them into a quieter room for phonics etc so maybe it will be ok! Just slightly regretting not choosing the school a half hour walk away with year groups of 50.

I like big schools. More staff with different interests and skills. Lots of different children to mix with instead of being stuck with the same thirty people for seven years.

The teachers don’t have to be overseeing so much as they have to in small schools. One subject area responsibility instead of three. Assembly once every half term instead of once a week.

Ok, good. This is making me feel better!

I think a free format reception can seem like pure chaos going in cold as a parent, but having had DC in a school that also ran Reception this way - it is noisy, but it's in no way chaotic - everything is very well organised, DC are worked with in small groups and they understand the boundaries of what they are allowed to do. I'd also favour a large school (and 90 not particularly large ...) over a small school simply because larger=more funding=more opportunities. Also bear in mind, that when the DC are engaged in free (noisy) activity, no one will be trying to get your DD's attention from across the room - if they need her they will come and speak to her directly. When they work in small groups or in do whole class work on the carpet, it will be quiet (as much as is possible with this age of DC!) and she will be able to hear.

also the other advantage of a large school is more potential friends - as it happened my DS made friends mostly outside of his own class when in Reception, as so much of what they did was across the year. As there tends to be lots of activities set out, I think the DC tend to make friends with those who like doing the same as them e.g. DD made friends with a group of girls who like dressing up and pretend play.

On the hearing thing have a look online about Auditory Processing Disorder. We spent years telling people that our DD couldn’t hear but all her hearing tests came back normal. You can’t test properly until they are 7 though.

Mine both went to a two form entry outstanding primary and it was fine. Excellent all round tho I am over primary now. Can't Wait for Ds to leave now.

Dd now goes to a huge secondary. Loads of clubs and friends to choose from. I don't think big schools are a bad thing as long as they are well managed and led.

That’s exactly what I think she might have. Do you think your dd would have struggled in the school I’m describing?

Sorry the above was to Zodlebud.

Yes and yes. Ds' both took to it like ducks to water and the benefits in terms of friendship choices \and extra-curricular activities were far greater than I'd anticipated (having gone to a primary school of 90 children (total) myself and having initially wanted similar for mine).

Dd1 went to an infant school with one class per year, and she struggled with not being able to avoid the loud, confident kids (there were one or two who had undiagnosed sn in reception and obviously struggled) as there was nowhere else to go, they all had to be in the same classroom/small outdoor space. She was much happier when we moved house and therefore school to a bigger place where they moved classes for various subjects and she got a break from the same small group of louder kids and just dealt with different loud kids.

Dd2 has been in a 3 form entry primary from the start. She's thrived, going from a very timid child who would barely speak at nursery to a child who can confidently speak in assembly but still barely speaks to her teacher in year 3. Larger schools have advantages that aren't always obvious, and they really do have excellent ways of ensuring that there are opportunities to both learn in a quiet environment and play in a louder, seemingly more chaotic way.

I had a choice between a 1 form and 3 form entry. I chose the 3 form and hands down it was the right decision. DD and I (she is now in Year 4) walked past the 1 form and discussed what it would be like for her (and me as I have made good friends with mums at her school) if she had gone there and we both shuddered!

the reception has free flow but you can stay in the quiet classroom DD always did (DS is always in the communal areas)

All the schools are 3 form around here - apart from the "big" 4 form.

The village schools are smaller and may have been nice initially but certainly now mine have reached year 2/3 they definitely value the variety of peers, clubs etc.

Mine went to small village and as with everything there are pros and cons. One of the biggest cons at the moment is financial, small schools have it especially tough. This might be something to consider if Your DD might need support in future.

What I would also point out though if that I believe in many cases it is easier for bigger schools to get better OFSTED scores as the criteria are easier for them to meet. It doesn't automatically mean the child experience or learning outcomes will be better.

I imagine most will end up run remotely by trusts too....

My son is at an enormous primary (150 in his year!). He is quiet, shy and loves it. Although he knows no different, the management and organisation is brilliant.

Glad to hear so many of you have had good experiences with big schools. Hope we will too :-)

DD goes to a three form entry infants school which has all 3 classrooms attached to a free flow area. At any one time there is one class in with their teacher sound phonics etc. And two classes in the free flow area doing 'explore and learn'.
This is then repeated on two more levels for years 1 and 2.
The school is very successful and I really love it- it's vibrant and interesting and there are lots of children to play with and get to know. The teachers are mega organised and have it sorted.
Don't worry she will likely be fine and if the school is outstanding they will know how to manage this