Another state primary v private pre-prep qn (I can hear the groans already - sorry!)

[thegruffalosmum]

Dd is at a state primary which is ok. It's a happy school. She's doing fine. She is only in reception so it's early days.

But I can't help thinking we are giving her a poorer deal compared to the sort of schools some of her friends attend. (Before I continue, please note, we only have one dc and school fees are not an issue at all so please cast the cost aside for the sake of this question.)

She has 30 in her class, the pre-prep has 14 - and at least the same number of staff. Dd's reading book gets changed now and then, theirs get changed frequently. They get listened to reading every day. She gets heard ooh once so far since starting school in Sept (I know she's only in reception but she could read before she started and is keen so surely someone could sit with her for 15 mins a couple of times a week?)

I know half of Mn think this about their dc but she is very bright. Not a genius but very bright. Would a smaller class be better for her later on, especially after reception and year 1 when things get a little less play based?

She also likes structure and routine and the school she is at is quite chaotic at times whereas a smaller class might be a bit more ordered. I would hate a hothouse type school but the pace is kind of slow (not just talking about reception as I know that is playing and learning to be at school/ socialising).

Do smaller classes make a big difference?

If money was not an issue would you switch?

You're right CaptainNancy - I hadn't spotted that.

OMG! You are right, CN. In which publication should we look out for your article, tgm?

I think class size is important. our primary intake is 30 per year,there is only one class. I sometimes think that is too big so goodness knows what bigger primaries are like ,some here have 2 classes per year(ie 60 kids )

also a thing to watch for in smaller classes is what the girl/boy ratio is like. in my elder DD'S class the mix was fairly 50/50 slightly more girls. In my DS class the class is 22 boys 8 girls ( class boisterous and v competitive!) as is my youngest DD's class where she is one of the 8 girls and we find girls quite cliquey if one falls out with another one not so many alternatives to play with!
I agree with a lot of other posters think your mind is already made up choose carefully and I dont think you will look back. Good Luck let us know what you decide..

Not an evil journalist I promise. I namechanged and changed a few details because I didn't want to be identified in RL in case I did move schools.
Stupid but true.
And then I even confused myself .

Only read the OP, but you do sound very clear that the pre-prep would be better for your dd - any doubts?? I didn't really hear them!

Money is not an issue, and yes smaller classes make a difference, but there are other factors we considered, which helped us decide. We visited all the local schools, state and private. We vastly preferred the ethos, the enthusiasm for learning, and the caring atmosphere at one of the state primaries (and the Head, the fact that staff hardly ever leave, etc) to any of the other choices.

So dd is at a state primary, in a bulge class of 37 (with two teachers and a TA, so in effect lots of attention per child), and doing very well.

If we'd hated both local state primaries, or preferred the local pre-prep, we'd have gone with that - there are SO many factors to weigh up (if cost isn't the issue), I don't think its possible to say 'x is best' in a general way at all.

Hi - I would switch her asap. My daughter has also just started at a our local primary but, unlike your daughter, she has a new book to read every day and the teacher often listens to her read. She is also in a class of 30...

www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/sep/03/publicschools.schools

Like the author here my kids are doing very well in a very mixed inner city school. I do sometimes have a wobble about the rougher elements but my kids will I think grow up to be much better at mixing than I was having spent my school years in an all girls convent. DS is about 2 years ahead academically and they seem happy and willing to cope with this. I have been very impressed with the teaching I have seen ( I am also a Gov) and the inclusive nature of the school.

Not that Arabella Weir article again - so condesending!!

My daughter is in reception at a lovely private school. There are only 9 in her class at the moment. She gets a lot of indevidual attention and is very happy there.
If you can afford it, then go for it! You won't regret it.