Which school would you choose?

[PermanentlyTired03]

we Need to submit our choices for primary school soon and we looked round 2 schools. One is a 3min walk, outstanding ofstead but when we toured it seemed soulless (no pics on walls- seems like an office block!) and had no extra currricular stuff at all- clubs, instruments etc. Schools been open 4 years so maybe they are still finding their feet? didn’t help that the tours were only available after school so couldn’t see everything in full swing. Headteacher went on a lot about ethics and principles rather than facilities and the actual school day.
second school is a mile away (off road cycle path and pavement the whole way) it seemed warmer, children seemed happy and engaged, lots of clubs available, great outdoor area, we were shown the various facilities, I immediately warmed to it. Also had outstanding at ofsted. Problem is I can’t drive (medical reasons) and I don’t know if DD would be able to cycle that far. Would I be setting myself up for just a painful journey everyday?! I can’t get one of those big bikes with wheelbarrow style storage as I wouldn’t have anywhere to put it.
Im sure the first school would be fine, but the one further away was just so much nicer!

It will also depend on whether you meet the admission criteria for the schools. I imagine that you will get a place at the first, based on distance, but it will depend on whether the second is oversubscribed and whether you meet their other admission criteria.

People usually advocate for a school in walking distance for lots of reasons, especially if you don’t drive. You could try walking with DD and see how she gets on and bear in mind that it will be easier as she gets older.

Definitely school 2. A soulless school is a big no (amazed they got outstanding from how you describe it, although Ofsted don't value the same things parents, pupils and staff do so nothing surprises me).

A mile really isn't that far. Would she need to cycle while she's so little? The walk would do you both good. Children who walk regularly from a very young age develop good habits for life. She'll soon get use to it. Walking would be easier than you having to juggle her bike if she tries of cycling on the way.

The only concern would be if you'd get in. As it's outstanding, I'm guessing it's probably oversubscribed. Can you find out online how far away from the school the last accepted applicant lived? Most county councils have this information available. A mile away from an outstanding school sounds touch and ho to me whether you'd get in. What form entry is it?

You're a shoe in for school 1, based on location, so definitely apply but personally I would absolutely put school 2 as first choice and hope you get it. If you don't, at least school 1 is very local.

A mile is okay, but a scooter may make it easier. When tired, mine used to stand on the scooter and hold the handlebar with one hand and my hand with the other, so I pulled her along. (Don't use a scooter when very windy, though - a gust of wind can suddenly carry them further than you might think.)

I'd go for the first one but monitor the situation and move your child if you feel it's not working.

I’d Go for the second one, new schools are usually not as good as the first generation of kids to go through have to suffer through all the natural teething issues. If you have an outstanding school which is already well established as a realistic option, I’d go for that right away. Moving your child later on would be a pain for all of you.

They're 4 years in so the OP's child will be the 4th or 5th lot of kids through. Plenty of time for them to get it right.

It’s a 20 minute walk each way for the kid which is fine. Could always get them a scooter or a bike with a bike seat

They still haven’t had a full generation of kids go through the school. My kids are in a school which only when DD entered 2nd grade had had a full set of kids through from reception to year 9 (I’m in an European country so years slightly different). We’re seeing them dealing w teething issues still. Getting a school up and running, establishing a culture and traditions and routines is no easy feat. Some
issues only become clear once a class of kids had been through from start to finish.

Just use a baby jogger if they are good enough for Disney up to age 6/7 you can use one for the school run for years R and 1.

I would go with the second school where the DC look happy and engaged and they have after school clubs and activities. A mile is a 20 minute walk.

Four years is more than enough time to hang pictures on walls and feel welcoming.

I think given you can’t drive, I’d go for school 1. You’ve got to think about what it’d be like getting to/from school 2 on the very worst weather days, in the absolute freezing cold when it’s pissing down.

But the OP's child will always be 4/5 years behind those that do the full cycle first so they'll have learnt from several classes before theirs. A good school will be learning, tweaking and changing all the time anyway.

You could ring the first one to ask for another look round but this time in normal school hours to get a better feel for it?