1 form entry school or 3 form entry (more resources)

[Lifewithcherryd]

Hi,

i would like any advise from people who have chosen their children’s primary school please.

i have 3 options.

1. first school is in my catchment area. 1 form entry. Seems like a great school. 1 form entry (community school). No before or after school (I would prefer this as I work full time but partner has agreed to do pick ups). Seems a bit diverse however heard a negative experience from a previous ethnic minority mum re bullying and how they didn’t handle it in the best way but I also heard a good review from someone else. I like the child led type environment it has. It is within a cul de sac type area. I will be driving to drop off my daughter (even though it’s a 5 minute walk) as I will be going to work straight after.
2. second school is a 3 form entry. Doesn’t actually look that big. Impressed with all the resources available and outdoor play area. Looks a bit more diverse - this is important to me (I viewed the school during class times). It is however on a bit of a main road (so I’m already thinking of any possible drop off issues as I’ll be driving). I’m unsure how I feel about 90 kids in 1 form however. They share a massive room which is partially divided into 3 but I love the school as a whole and also how much they have invested into the reception resources and it’s also child led activities/ nurturing. It’s about a 3-5 minute drive (15 minute walk). Outside catchment area but they generally aren’t over subscribed. Heard good review from another parent who goes there. Doesn’t have before and after school either. Apparently school 1 also uses this schools resources sometimes too (as I mentioned school 1 is a smaller school)
3. third school was my initial first choice school. It’s a child of England school (I like this idea due to the values but it’s not a make or break). It’s definitely further out a field (10 minute drive- forget even walking as it’s not an option). It’s a 2 form entry. I really liked the feel and look of this school. Heard great reviews from another parent. It has before and after school (until 5) so I really like this too just in case I need additional support with after school care - Partner is self employed. But what is really deterring me is the distance in case there is traffic (there is sometimes along this route). It isn’t catchment (only school 1 is) but it also didn’t hit full capacity last year.

therefore you can see my hestitations with all.

if it also helps I have a nearly 2 year old (with additional needs/ disability) who goes to nursery which is 1 minute away from school 1 but as it’s a private nursery (they close at 6pm). She won’t be moving to the in school nurseries as I’ll keep her there until school time as I like it there (she might go to a special school or state school - will see closer to the time).

any advice will be truly appreciated. I have until 15th January to apply and I can put down 3 choices (just unsure which should be my first choice, 2nd or 3rd).

thank you.

Defo 3 form close by

If there are people who are higher on the list of criteria, you might not get a place at the nearest school. Priorities are SEND, LAC, siblings, distance in catchment, distance out of catchment.

It’s likely you’d meet the criteria on distance, but it depends on how many with a higher priority apply.

As a working parent, I'd only consider the school with wrap around care (3).

I wouldn’t worry about wraparound care if partner can pick up and once you know people there you can probably get help from other parents on the odd emergency day when partner can’t. So scrap 3 (sounds stressful) then have a hard think between 1 and 2. I also wouldn’t worry too much about the future of the 1 form entry school or an anecdotal bad experience. The point regarding lack of a “pool” of potential friendship groups is a valid one though, but a single form entry also makes you learn to get along with people rather than dump for another friendship and can also make for a “family”/community atmosphere. For me proximity is important too, also thinking of playdates with friends living nearby. But facilities and resources are also a valid point. Also, do they both have an active PTA? That can give an indication of how involved/supportive families are and how much of a community it is. And what is their SEND provision like in case second child doesn’t end up going to special school? In that case having them at the same school would make life so mich easier.
once you have weighed up all the pros and cons of each, put your favourite as choice 1 regardless of how likely you think it will be that you get it. I know people who changed their options after having the response so if none are oversubscribed you may be able to change your mind later but it’s a gamble. Good luck!