Last minute rush to find my Grandaughter a school in Penarth. After her Mum moved to Penarth in a hurry. I got them settled into home and have now turned to getting the child sorted for schooling. LATE. Home is now in Penarth down by the Ely river. They have moved from Cardiff so there is the option to stick with her current school but she needs stretching/stimulating and needs a change of scene.
Grandaughter (almost 9 yrs) had set her heart on Albert Primary - the closest. Also Cogan was her second choice. She had done her own research but knows nothing of local authority procedures (as in its not just about HER choice !). She is a bright little thing (well everyone says that about their kids but she is certainly stretching me more than any other child I have encountered).
I had established that Albert and Cogan were good choices so no problems there. But I think these two schools are too popular so no places at this VERY late stage. So I am casting my net wider - I have heard mention of two.
St Andrews CIW (Church In Wales).
She is currently at a Church in Wales school so maybe that would be a familiar environment for her. The gov't report says good. Google reviews are 5/5 but only one review !. Its a long way being the opposite side of Penarth so no walking. But it might be a good/nice school.
St Josephs RC (Roman Catholic)
No sign of a government report. Google reviews are 5/5 but not many reviews. Not really much nearer.
I am not too bothered by the religious angle of the schools myself as I am best described as a non-practicing Christian.
She is a little timid but can be brave. Showing signs of fragility at the moment following the turmoil of the last year or so. I have had to jump in with both feet to help and am busy wearing a path down the M4. She has been embracing the imposed change but I fear she is going to be disappointed with her plans. I certainly want to see her abilities stretched as there is a danger of her getting bored otherwise. Her mother is a professional and has had a lot of support from work. She can work from home but needs to be convenient for the office in Cardiff.
So I would be grateful for any opinions on these schools or other schools. I am not local at all (nearer London) so I am not getting any opinions from locals.