Transferring from private to state - things not to say to/ask the Head.

[thedolly]

I have a meeting with the Head of our catchment primary school (5-9) next week.

So what things shouldn't I say/ask the Head if I want to give the right impression.

It's beginning to feel like a bit of a soap opera now - this is my 4th thread on the same topic . I nearly posted this in AIBU .

However it does have the potential of being quite a funny thread and it may even help me from committing an unwitting private/state faux pas.

Thanks.

no
all new kids havea minder in most schools to stop any lockin in shed issues.

SO your kid wont be out for at least a term

Oh dear, don't get yourself into a state about this. Just be yourself, ask what you want to know. I doubt that each class will have a rigid timetable though. Subjects such as PE are normally timetabled because the hall has to be booked, but in our school the rest if much freer. eg. Sometimes children will go for weeks without studying geography because they are concentrating on history. Children will study numeracy and literacy each day, but after that it may vary.

Don't ask why the armed guards accompany all school visitors.

Don't ask why they have class social workers instead of TA's.

Don't ask if you can sponsor an orphan.

(To answer your question, no, most state schools don't allow the kids out at break times because of the acid rain issues. Most state schools are in heavily industrialised chernobyl like areas. )

Who's Miss Marpole? Do you mean Miss Marple?

Ask if there is a school-branded stab-proof vest or if it is one of those dangerously liberal schools without a uniform.

I don't think people are playing, dolly.

You come across as a right royal pita tbh.

Ask them whether the year 4 children have learned to read yet, and what numbers they have learned up to. If they have gone past 3, they are doing well.

You should also reassure him by saying 'I think it's very IMPORTANT to support the local poor school, which is why I'm sending my child to you', and 'We've been preparing by watching Shameless together so my child knows how to behave at school'.

Are the Year 6 girls pregnant or just obese?

(oops no that's 'orrible. I went to a very good state primary - and er, NoahAmin - I feel like asking for English O level certs from teachers in both state and private sector when I see the spelling mistakes littering their notes and reports. Okay, okay a touch of the grumpy old bags coming on.)

Don't ask why there are condom machines in the toilets.

Don't ask why they have tactical assault training on Inset Days.

Don't ask what a "sink estate" is.

Don't comment on the interesting graffiti murals in the school hall.

Miss Marpole is the working class Miss Marple.

She has to carry a large pole with her to fend off all the hoodies loitering in the vicinity of state primaries.

Do enquire about martial arts clubs for your child. "Strictly for self defence purposes you understand".

Someguy - waste of money in my opinion, just spend 5 minutes showing the dc how to conceal a bread knife in their shellsuit.

Good point. Ask if there is a restriction on blade length - "perhaps a Burberry-branded flick knife would be more suitable?"

Also be aware that you should sharpen the studs of your child's football boots - they won't be doing any organised sports of course - but it will make kicks to the shins that much more painful.

You lot are hilarious. Especially the bigoted small minded ones. Never mind - I'm used to that having grown up in Northern Ireland.

Maybe I'm just primed to recognise it .

I'm not referring to you btw itsmelord.

Give me strength emoticon needed here.