Why did you send your child to junior / prep?

[MissMuscle]

Just to understand the rationale and advantages of doing it.

Have a 6 and 5 year old in state primary. I moved here from abroad and find the education system mind boggling (haven't really settled in where we live after 5 years either - that's a different conversation)

Because he was horribly bullied and needed somewhere that was strong on pastoral care and would improve his self esteem. The only option around here was private and it was categorically the best decision we have ever made. Rather specific circumstances though, which I hope you don’t have to deal with!

DS1 has been bullied, though I think the school did what they could.
He is sensitive and less physical, so finds it hard as a boy to make friends, creating self esteem issues, though i find him hard to read... (maybe me, I don't read people and EQ well, so i can't really tell how happy he really is)

Glad to hear moving worked out well for you, so thank you for sharing that.

Because the adult/child ratio is much better (2 teachers and 3 TAs for 40 kids).
Facilities are much better, they have actual PE, cooking lessons, unusual art lessons (flower arranging etc).
SENDs provision is better. 3 specialist teachers for 300 kids, rather than 50% of obs teacher for 500...
Ironically, much less pressure as no SATS etc (our prep is nurturing, not hot housing - results are still excellent)
It really depends on the specific prep, and local primary schools if its worth it!

Becaue I wanted my children to LOVE school. I didn't and I wanted a different start for them. My school was impersonal, the boys threatening (yes, at primary age), facilities non-existent, everything about it was dull - I much preferred staying at home. I picked a school which spoke to me as a child - I would've loved to be there. Plus of course I wanted academics, small classes, specialist teaching, lots of PE, including swimming, and monthly concerts.

smaller class
broad curriculum
ethos of aspiration, trying your best, good behaviour
better home school communication
SeND support for ds1 who isn't bad enough to get anything in state school
Does depend on your local options though - our state primary was massive, min 30/class, mediocre outcomes, pretty much no music/drama/history/proper sports/clubs, french was taught by a teacher who readily admitted not even having a gcse in it etc. Biggest factor was that ds has ASD/dyslexia and they couldn't provide anything as he wasn't bad enough - resources are scarce, so I understand they have to ration, but it is tough when it is your dc.

Smaller class sizes, if you chose the right school often high pastoral care, space, more extra curricular activities on offer, SEND, opportunities, aspirational staff and other adults around them, boarding, wrap around care provision, all meals included... the list could be endless.
However, it needs to be the right private school. They are all so different.