School choices for next year

[tstkpr]

Hi,

DD is due to start reception next year so we have been touring schools. Although there are a lot of primaries in the area, only one has been good so far when we've looked round. We aren't in catchment though so I'm having to think carefully about 2nd and 3rd choices as she's likely to end up at one of those.

What are reasonable expectations as clearly mine are too high? One school has a bad reputation for being disorganised and terrible at communicating with parents and dealing with kids issues. Another has tiny poky classrooms and is soulless. Another has a head with completely different values to me. Etc etc

I just don't really know where to go from here... maybe I'm focusing on the wrong things? Not sure what I'm asking really but just any advice from people who have been in the same position.

Thanks!

Firstly, remember that you aren’t making a choice, but expressing a preference. You’ll need to look at the admission criteria for all of them, but especially the one you prefer, because, as you say, distance from the school might rule you out. On the other hand, if there are fewer SEN and LAC children and fewer siblings, that might be different.

If you don’t really like any of the others, but you have to make a selection, think about what for you is least worst. Do you want to be close to the school? Will your child mind small classrooms? Have you looked at their websites, sought opinions from parents if possible?