schools and nurseries in Chiselhurst??

[Sallyssss]

Does anyone have any experience of them? Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated? We are looking for a nursery and a school (private or state)?

My dd went to Farringtons for a couple of years until we moved. She loved the school and we were really impressed with the education and care she received.

Some of the primary schools have mixed reports. My friends ds went to Mead Road which she was impressed with but it is only for infants. I know she was concerned about what Junior school he would have to move to if they purely went on catchment area.

Another friends children go to St Nicholas but that is not always very easy to get into. Good school.

As for nursery - we used to use the one at Queen Mary's Hospital - The Hospital Day Nursery. They were excellent when dd was there and she visited for quite a while afterwards as she missed all the girls who worked there.

I heard from some parents who had younger children there as well that there were a few issues with some of the staff not being as good as previous staff. But as far as I know that was all sorted out and the lady who runs the business is lovely. Great set up as well - the rooms were lovely and airy with a good play area.

Babington House school has a preschool class and takes boys until they are 7. I know people who send children there who are very happy with it.

I second Babington- my DS goes there!

Thank you for your replies.

I looked at Farringtons and although location would be brilliant for us, I did not get a good feel for it. I thought it was a bit big and scary. But, may be I should take another look.

We are also going to look at Mead (but our dd would only be there 2 yrs and I am worried about moving her again) and Babingtons. I drove past Babingtons and really liked what I saw.

What do you like or dislike about Babingtons? Do you have a son or daughter?

I have a son.

Babington House is small and non- selective. The quality of the teaching is excellent, imo.

We have nothing but praise for it and our son has flourished there.

Mrs Lee is the admissions registrar and I am sure, would be happy to deal with any questions. I sound like I am on commission for Babington but i'm not- honest!!

My only concern is that my son is a very active/spirited child, so I wonder if Babington would be right for him. What do you think?

I have a feeling my daughter would love it there. Where do you think your son would go after?

My son is far from a wallflower so don't worry on that score for your son!

As to after, Eltham College or Colfe's, I think.

Thank you, I can't wait to have a look around after the Easter break.

My DD goes to Breaside and it is a fantastic school, would highly recommend. It is just off Sundridge Ave so just on the Chislehurst border I think...

Will have a look. Thanks Mrs Pixie

My nephews both go to Braeside too. SIL is very very happy with it. They seem to be doing well. THe advantage it has (and partly why SIL chose it) is that it is mixed all the way through to 11, so no need to move boys on at 7 leaving girl siblings behind.

State-wise - there are a fair few options. Bromley does tend to have pretty good state schools (compared with national average). DD (and DS from September) both go to one of the schools with lower than borough average SATS results, but is still a great school really. DD thriving.

I suppose what I'm saying is that you cannot beat visiting schools and getting a feel for them, and that SATS and Ofsted are not the be all and end all.

I think Braeside is over 3 miles away, which I know is not far, but I just don't fancy the thought of being in traffic every morning.

I am going to look at Redhill which is the only state school we are likely to get offered, but not sure about the size and it's ofsted report.

Redhill has a great ofsted I believe, lovely school also

Ofsted report gave it satisfactory, which i know is only one sourse of information and I need to have a look.

oh must be another one i am thinking of

Red Hill is largeish, but not that large - only 3 form entry.

Crofton, for example, is a 6 form entry school that rates well. Hayes is 3 form entry. Pickhurst 3 or 4. All good schools.

Personally I think it's not so much the size, but how the school is organised to maximise the potential benefits of large intake, that counts.

I've heard good things about Red Hill. What about Edgebury?

SIL travels about 5 miles to Braeside.

We have been told there is not much chance of a place coming up at Edgbury. I am definitely going to have a look at Redhill.

I have a thing about commuting so it's going tto be out of Farringtons, St Olaves (in New EEltham which is a mile away) and Babingtons.