Primary Schools Richmond Borough

[jemimaandjohnny]

Hello. I have never posted on here before but am starting to get really worried about dd's education. She is summer born and is due to start Reception this September. We have applied to a Catholic school but it is so oversubscribed I doubt she will get a place - we find out at the end of this month. She is a very shy, quiet child who loves sitting down and learning but is not confident making new friends. Do children usually settle in even if they are shy? Does it matter if we don't get into my first choice school - many of the others I looked at seemed so noisy and busy with such large class numbers but maybe this doesn't matter? We do also have a place at a local private school and I am wondering whether this should be an option I should consider more strongly. Sorry for such a ramble.

Nearly all the Richmond primaries are pretty good...we are in a Hampton one. They specifically have a "shy" group of children which is smaller than the other groups (although the groups are are all named after animals I asked the teacher what the rationale was for putting the children in particular groups she said "ability, social skills, and then a small group for shy or quiet children who don't like being in groups").
If you are particularly worried, talk to the school once you have the allocation and confirmation of which class.
It took my DD over a term to start making friends. Now she has loads even though she is not noticeably sociable.
You will find the school ethos and approach will help your DD if you mention it to the teachers.

Thank you for your message. I feel much better having read it. What a good idea to target the quieter children and it is reassuring to know that your dd settled and found lots of friends. Will just wait now to hear what school we have been offered at the end of March.

when Ds1 started primary in Richmond our school held an open evening in May for the parents. We met some other people and sorted out a play date or two before September so DS1 knew at least some of his future class mates. Could you do the same - maybe through the church if the school doesn't organise anything?

this is good to hear (altho some way off for dd).. is there anything more detailed on admission criteria apart from what is on the richmond council website.

No, the Richmond entry criteria on thier website is what you get, it is very didactic and inflexible as written...
However, I did have a few queries and rang the admissions office and the lady I spoke to was very helpful.