Merton Abbey/South Wimbeldon(?)Mn-ers ...

[hbfac]

... could you give me advice about primary schools in this area?

Dd is at a primary school already and ... things aren't going well.

I've angsted about this (under a variety of names, I haven't settled on 'the one' yet,) for about two years but have come to the realisation I must consider changing her school.

I'm terrified of getting things wrong again; I really am slightly disbelieving that I'm at the point of considering changing her school, so please, could I ask for recommendations/descriptions of schools around here?

Also, we're across the border/out of borough. Does anyone have any insights as to how the system for admissions after reception works?

Tyia.

[hbfac]

Thank you everybody!

(And LJBrownie - who I haven't thanked personally before. I really will check that out.)

I will check out all those suggestions. I hope they'll allow me to visit.

Just to explain - I asked for my earlier posts to be removed because I found I was extremely anxious about being identified, and particularly my dd being identified. I just worried that it might lead to a worsening of a not very nice situation. But maybe I was over-worrying.

So, thank you again ... and if anyone else comes along, spots this thread and has any other suggestions - please add them! I'll be checking up on it.

[BecauseImWorthIt]

I was shocked when I read your post - not only at what has been going on (strangling?!), but that your school is seemingly not doing anything about it. This is outrageous and I really think you and your DH should be doing more about this - don't let the school make you feel like you're moaning, this is your child!

If you've discussed it with the doctor, I would be inclined to write a letter to the school and also that you've reported it to him/her, and if any future incidents happen - especially if there are any visible marks - that you will not only be photographing these, but that you will be going to see your GP again.

And see if your GP is prepared to get involved to help support you too.

I'm really on your behalf, and for your DD.

[hbfac]

Biwi (and others) it's good to hear that. I suppose I have started to think that this is the norm in most state schools, and that my ds was just fabulously lucky in the state school he attended because this sort of thing didn't happen.

The school's response has been, generally, to normalise many things that I had previously thought were unacceptable. After two years of this, I have to admit I was/am arriving at the conclusion I was a pushy, precious mother.

But your post indicates that this is NOT the norm. And of course, that further implies that we might be able to find a school where this isn't the norm!

Honestly, the whole situation has induced a kind of mental imbalance in me, where I no longer know what "normal" or "good" is.

[Btw, i really am going to CAT you - hopefully this evening. Thank you.]

[ZephirineDrouhin]

hbfac, I don't know how close it is to you, but I've just been looking at Sellincourt (having last minute dilemma over application for Sept). It doesn't have the greatest Ofsted report, but I think it's very good - lovely atmosphere, lots of emphasis on music and creativity, lots of parental involvement, and the parents I know who have children there are all very happy with it. It's on the Colliers Wood side of Tooting so might be an option for you?

So sorry you've been having such a nightmare. I hope you get something sorted soon. Do get in touch if I can help at all.

[LJBrownie]

definitely worth noting that both broadwater and sellincourt both had their last ofsted in first half of 2007 so a lot may have changed since then. both have results in line with UK averages and have good value add scores - given friendly environments, may well be good options!

[hbfac]

OK.

I'm a bit dim ...

Could anyone tell me how CAT works?

[BecauseImWorthIt]

Have you paid your £5 subscription?

Assuming that you have, find the person you want to CAT on the thread, and to the right of their posting name you'll see a button to click on that says 'contact poster'.

If you haven't paid, and you want to contact me, you can e-mail me directly on thestarrs at bt connect dot com. Obviously without the gaps!

(But now I've give you that, you don't need to use CAT anyway!)