Should I work part time?

[daisydancer]

My 4 year old is due to start reception in September. We have been allocated a school that I am convinced is not right for him. If I work part time (I am a teacher) we could cover fees for private school for him and my second child, when his time comes, who will be two by the time I would need to work in September.

The reason I feel strange about this is that the school we have been allocated is quite good as far as state schools go but being a teacher myself (mostly in the state sector) I feel 100% certain that our nearest prep schools offer a great deal more. If we had gained a place at the primary we had hoped for, I felt confident that with supplementary help and experiences the children could have had an education that was an extension of the childhood we have helped them enjoy so far. I think the problem with the school we have been allocated is that its character is one that we can't really identify with as a family.

I suppose my question is, do you other parents think that working part time and finding childcare for my two year old is a worth while compromise to ensure a more ideal primary education for both children?

I'm not a big fan of private education where there are perfectly reasonable state options. But in those circumstances, I think I probably would go for the private option. At two, your youngest should be able to cope with the transition to part time childcare and you will be much happier as a family if you feel the school is in tune with your values.

(Speaking as someone who uses a far-from-sought-after state school which is nevertheless very much in tune with our family values, so therefore working OK).

Thanks simthagain! It's funny you should say that you're happy with a far-from-sought-after state school that is in tune with your family values. Our first choice of primary school was not formally 'as good' as the one we have been allocated and is not as sought after either but it really does reflect our family and community much more.

I feel that most state primary schools are not as good as good independent prep schools but a state primary that reflects our family values would be a good compromise.

Interesting!

DD1's school is "satisfactory with some good features" according to Ofsted. It's the one that most middle-class families avoid by using the "outstanding" schools in the two neighbouring areas!

We decided to stick with the local option for all sorts of reasons. And it's definitely working out - caring atmosphere, not excessively results-driven, but still a stimulating environment that is keeping DD1 engaged. And it has a very local catchment, so we feel thoroughly part of the local community.

Good luck with your decision.