More able child - education psychologist and school help

[Amumhere]

Hello everyone,
I am seeking advice for our child who will be four next month. She will start reception in September. We (as well people who know her) believe that she is of high ability.
Couple of things which indicate the same are - she spoke early (at 7 months of age), by 15 months she was bilingual and speaking in sentences. She taught herself to write before she turned three and taught herself to read couple of months after she turned three. She is nearing four now and can read a lot and very fast. She is good with numbers, can do basic addition , subtraction. She also has an amazing memory. For example she knew my phone number when she was two simply from overhearing me tell it to someone. We haven't done much. It's all been self initiated, with us providing her access to resources.

We are considering consulting a private education psychologist to understand more about her and what best we can do for her. She will most likely start reception in an outstanding state school (we are very close to it). While the school is considered very good in the area, it doesn't do much for more able children. So I think seeking help from a professional will also help us in advocating for her when needed. We are new in the country and don't really know how to go about it. Will really appreciate recommendations from your personal experience or from people you know.

Also, we are considering buying home next year (right now we are renting) and want to know if there are any schools in London which cater to high ability kids better compared to other schools? We want to shortlist areas where we can consider buying.
We have thought of independent schools but it seems like we won't be able to afford them. Unless they provide scholarships based on ability. Do some schools provide that? We don't think we will quality for bursaries based on our financial situation.

We are really confused right now. Looking to get help from parents who have been through the same.

I know it's just reception right now. But we want her to be an environment where she is understood and where she can retain her curiousity.

Thanks for your time. We really appreciate your inputs.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

both mine are extremely bright, one we know has a "genius" IQ as had to have her assessed because of spld. Primary has done absolutely nothing for them, even with ed psych reports for the one with the spld (no support for that either!) so I wouldn't hold your breath. To be honest both are still doing very well regardless, both just do no work at home whilst their classmates cram like crazy for 11+ etc, mine enjoy their out of school lives and have other challenges, music, drama, dancing etc.

A few years ago I was all worried about school stretching them to reach their full potential and worrying about it all, now I just think life is too short. We have finished primary now and are moving to secondary and in my own experience (as a high IQ child among similar siblings) there is so much more to learn being high potential kind of only makes a difference if they are prepare to work and push themselves anyway.

So I am not saying don't worry about it but really I wouldn't make a big deal out of it. They will learn to be resilient and push themselves if they want to or you can do it at home, schools on the whole won't care about the ones who are definitely going to meet standards and it isn't worth the stress. in the long run it won't make a difference to their lives.

[Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis]

Early reading/numeracy is more common than you think and there are usually a couple of children in each year group who can read in reception. Two of my children were reading by 3 (at a biff and kipper stage not paperbacks).
Personally I think primary school is fine but I’d choose secondary school carefully. You don’t need to “do” anything about a child being bright beyond extra fodder, so music or language after school and a library card.

[tennisracquet]

Definitely send her to the local outstanding state school. It will be great for her to have lots of local friends to play with.

[flyings0l0]

She sounds bright but 'normal'. One of mine was like that. Now, 8 year old she is not as far ahead anymore but top set in school for everything but certainly not special.

Why don't you just let her be a child. You still can support her outside school with reading and lots of other educational activities. and learning is about so much more than just the academic stuff. you seem to have a tunnel vision.

As for a (state) school that focuses/supports brighter children. Good luck with that. You said you are new to the UK. so maybe do some catch up reading of the news about the dire and underfunded state school system. I have another child with complex Sen and high support needs. Most schools can barely afford to give the right support to children with disabilities. There isn't really money around for those who are flying through (I would never expect for me bright DC to get extra attention at school just because she is so far ahead when I see how my other child With Sen has support cut).