In a quandry about primary schools

[eastereggfeaster]

Ds was all set to go to a pre-prep that we love in September. We have paid a hefty deposit. The only downside is that it's quite a drive away.

I cheekily put a school on our state primary application that's quite far away too - we're out of the normal catchment - and also a drive away and assumed that we'd never get a place. It has some of the best SATs in the area and is better than our more local option. It is a nice school and attracts lots of families who could afford to go private.

However the Ofsted was really not that good (in 2005) and it's a c of e school and we are atheists. And it lacks the lovely facilities and small classes at the private school.

And we've paid the deposit for the private school that we love.

We can afford the private school without making huge sacrifices although like most people these days, we will notice the fees.

I think my gut feel is to stick to plan a - the pre-prep - but I'm a bit unsure.
Help!

LIZS has hit the nail on the head as to why we can't say yes and then see if we like it.
WE would have to pay a term's fees if we don't give 'notice' before the end of Monday yet can't physically see the school by then.

MRS MATTIE - we did it because the state schools in our catchment area aren't that good. Versus the other state primaries the private school wins hands down. In theory we should never have got a place at this other, better school as we are out of the parish etc. and group 10 on the list.

Don't think you sounded snipey at all and am grateful for any advice or thoughts on it, blunt or otherwise!

RUSTY - pretty sure there isn't a later ofsted. I'm going to canvas opinion from mums I know with kids there later and hope that sheds light on the up-to-date situation.

I change my mind every two bleeding minutes about what's right but am erring towards a 'let's give the state primary a go and if it doesn't work we can always move to the private school later on' option.

Sometimes bigger class sizes work better - more choice to find friends/ escape cliques, etc. Also important to be in with mixed abilities I think and meet a cross section of kids from all sorts of backgrounds. Being with kids who live very close is also a massively good thing imo. And being with girls... So am obviously very much biased one way, sorry but you did ask! Whatever you decide good luck - am sure either will be fine.

Have just checked terms and conditions for the private and it seems we actually have until Tuesday to give notice so there might be a slim chance of us managing to visit the state primary in time.

EEF. can I just add my tuppence worth? Its good, in fact great that you have an extra day before you commit to a decision and I would suggest that you call in at the state school in person rather than arranging by telephone. The reason I suggest this is from person experience I have foud that the school secretary can sometimes be the gatekeepers to all things procedural at a school. Their attitude and manner can be very telling and inform your decision. This could be important as your potential relationship with the sec may last many many years!

It will also give you an insight as to how they manage you as a person and your situation. Are they understanding of your plight? How do they deliver themselves? Are they over-officious and dismissive, giving the impression that 'if you dont want the place, then there are plenty of others that do'. Or do they value each pupil and family and demostrate an approach to leave all visitors with a positive impression of their school?

Lastly, can you imagine yourself and your DS there? A friend got none of her choices and offered a place at a previously failing school She was more than devastated and we were on the phone till way after midnight for several nights. It was so stressful and heart-wrenching. Having compiled a (long) list of issues, questions and concerns, she had an interview with the head. He was very receptive and welcomed her questions, showed her round the school personally and she came away feeling a million% better about the school offer. Anyway, sod's law, she has now been offered a place at her second choice school and she now doesnt know what to do!

The value in visiting a school first hand really cannot be over-stated; even the briefest personal contact can be so telling. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

Hiya, in response to your request for my opinion...I must admit I have not read all of the responses thus far so forgive me if I repeat what any others have said.
I think you have to keep in mind that OFSTED inspection was done in 2005 which was 4 years ago. A lot can happened in 4 years, whether it be good or bad. I taught in a school which was TERRIBLE, and managed to get a good ofsted inspection (still to this day do not know how it happened!) and also know of other schools which are great schools that have not done so well on OFSTED inspections. I personally find ofsted to be fairly subjective. They come in for anywhere from one-five days, and base their judgement on what they see in that short span of time. They may have observed teachers who "crack" under intense pressure thus the poor teaching result of the report.

On the other hand, you have mentioned it is a C of E school and you are Atheist which obviously would have to play a major role in your decision.

In reference to the SATS aspect, that also has to be taken with a "grain of salt" so to speak. Every cohort has its good and bad aspects. You can have major "dips" in results in excellent schools, which really should not reflect so much on the school, it is just more the group of children in that particular cohort. IMO, I personally would not base my decision of where to send my child based on SATS results for the school, but thats only because of what I said above, as a teacher in a school, you have more of an idea of how the results can fluctuate quite a bit from year to year.

Personally, if it were me, I think I would stick with your original plan, the pre-prep. I really like the idea of the smaller classes, because no matter what (and as I mentioned in my response to your other thread), with every great intention, when there is 1-2 adults (teacher and TA), and 30 children, not every child is always going to get the support they may need as much as they may need it, there are just not enough hours in the day.

Best of luck in your decision. Have you made a list of the pros and cons? I am a big list maker...and find it always works for me!

just read Rustybears response...the school may be awaiting another inspection, but it depends on what they were called up on. My school I taught at last year had a one day inspection after their previous report of 2002 so it really depends on what the individual schools situation is. More than likely 2005 would have been their most recent inspection. Ofsted too are moving to more drop in (as in show up morning of as opposed to the 2-4 days notice they have been giving) more as a check up, again, depending on what their previous results were.

Well, I'd certainly expect a school that had had a 'bad' report to be inspected again within 3 years - our last inspection was Feb 06, so we are expecting one before the end of this academic year. I haven't heard of any primary schools having a drop-in with no notice at all - does that only apply to 'failing' schools?

It wasn't bad - think it was satisfactory to be fair.

Rusty....I know of three schools that have had "drop ins", one was labelled as good and two as unsatisfactory, so not sure what their focus is specifically

Apparently they have had another ofsted but the report isn't out yet.

Well, have decided on the state primary.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this.
Glad it's all sorted - really strange that we changed our plans so much in such a short space of time though!