Fern Hill or Alexandra?

[coclala]

We're moving to the Richmond-Kingston borders and are looking for a nurturing school environment for my two daughters, who will be in Year 3 and Nursery in 2025. I've narrowed it down to two schools—Fern Hill and Alexandra. Which one would you recommend, and what factors should I consider? Thank you!

im a bit late in seeing your message but if you want a nurturing school for any age, nursery to year 6, go and look at Meadlands primary in Ham. All four of my children have been there. We have moved around, including overseas during the pandemic and afterwards, we have had the kids in over 20 schools between them (the older ones are teenagers now) and we have always ended up back at Meadlands. It is a single form entry in big leafy grounds with the biggest heart and an amazing community feel. The staff know and genuinely love the children, I have never found another school that comes close. We have tried Fern Hill and Hampton Wick but they just don’t have the empathy and intimacy or the cosy, family vibe. It is also a very inclusive place, it doesn’t feel cliquey.
My youngest child suffers from Selective mutism, it’s an anxiety disorder which makes her unable to speak when she’s not comfortable. She didn’t speak a single word to any child or teacher in over a year at Hampton wick infants. the teachers tried and there was some intervention but nobody really had the time or, as I was told, resources, to go the extra mile.
I took her to visit Meadlands and the super friendly deputy head and SENDCO, Miss Tadman, had really put some thought into how to help her. She met her with warmth and enthusiasm, but put no pressure on her and took her into the garden to “help” her pick some flowers. After 10 minutes, my beautiful little girl came back chatting to her. They then gradually and thoughtfully introduced her to staff and children over a few visits and each time she came out chatting about her new friends or the carefully planned activity they had done together.
She is now so happy and confident at school, people are really surprised if I tell them how it used to be.
Having had children there for 15 years on and off, I am evangelical about this school, it has a something so special that I have never encountered in any other school.