Primary school in Dundee - urgent!

[Lalian]

Hi all,

My husband just got a new job and we'll be moving to Dundee (from abroad) at the beginning of August. This is all very exciting but also very stressful as we need to chose a school for our 5 year old daughter who will be in P1 this year. Unfortunately, eveyone is on holiday now and we'll probably have to choose a school without being able to visit it, so any advice would be much appreciated!

My daughter has some additional support needs (problems with motor skills and some attendion deficit) so we are not that focused on academic achievements as this will put too much pressure on her, but on the school culture (e.g. accepting diversity). A friend, former head teacher, suggested it would be good to find a place with play-based curricula for P1.

We are looking at the schools in Broughty ferry (Forthill, Barnhill or Eastern) and the West end (Blackness and Victoria park). Can anyone tell me about these schools? Any advice or hints would be much appreciated!

Thanks a lot Notthisnotthat! So far everythings is much better than expected - we really like the Ferry and my daughter is settling in quite well! We are very happy with the school and their approach to both children and parents:-) Now the first week is behind us I had started thinking about clubs, so any suggestions are more than welcome! I was not aware there is a pool so near the school so I will deifnitely check it. My DD also wants to try ballet (because a girl from her nursery went), although I am not sure she would like it. I think something more dinamic would suit her better, but will have to give it a try:-). I am also concerned that it might be difficult for her to follow instructions in bigger groups but we'll see and if it is, will think of other options.

I am also gathering ideas about things to do during the weekends. She likes going to the theatre but from the info I've managed to find online, I think there are no regular performances for children. So far we have explored various parks and playground and the beach in the Ferry. I was told that St. Andrews and Arbroath are good places to visit with kids and obviously Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated!

There is Ferry dance school at the YMCA on brook street opposite M&S simply food and they do Ballet. Dundee Dance Factory is in St Stephens Church Hall on a Saturday morning, they do ballet, tap, modern and jazz. Both places have Facebook pages.

There are guiding groups in the local churches too, St Luke's and the New Kirk definitely have groups or Scouting is active too.

Carnoustie has a lovely park down at the beach. Carrot Hill is a nice walk. Parklives Dundee has some free activities in different parks around town.

I love going out Perthshire way, McRosty Park in Crieff is good fun. Lots of berry picking farms too.

Visit Tayport one weekend! It's only a 15 min bus ride over the bridge. One end of Tentsmuir beach is there, it's beautiful. Also the very friendly community run cafe beside the harbour has good cakes. Lots of nice playparks and the old railway line is good for balance bikes. I know you're settled now, but Tayport Primary School is also supposed to be quite good, if you ever want to move out of town but still be very close by.

Thank you both for the great suggestions! It's really amazing how many interesting places there are around! It is so beautiful and we are really looking forward to explore more!

I googled McRosty Park - it looks amazing! Tayport as well, and it is so close! We will also check the various classes in the Ferry - with so many options I am sure that we will find something my DD enjoys.

Welcome to the Ferry! Glad to hear it’s going well for you.
I’d totally recommend Dundee Dance Factory, my daughter went there till she was 18 and my almost 17 year old niece still does,nd has done from the age of 3. They do fantastic shows and the kids get a huge amount out of it

Sounds great! Thanks JudgeRindersMinder!

So sorry - I know that it’s is an old thread but I am relocating to Broughty Ferry for work and we are in the catchment for Eastern. Have you been happy with it? My 6 year old is really anxious about moving (he’ll go into p2) as he loves our community in Glasgow. Any advice about settling in BF? We’ll be there from Easter holidays. I have a 6 year old, 3 year old and baby x