This is the final update for now (I promise!)
We went to view the two schools whose catchment area we are in, the one next door and a CofE School about ten minutes walk away, and we've put down the CofE as our preference.
The CofE school is much nicer and DH is happier with the inclusion of the church. It has around 150 pupils aged 4 - 11 and has a really nice family atmosphere. They also have great links with the community and encourage parents to be involved as much as possible and it was just a nice place to be.
The school next to us wasn't awful but it's much bigger (350 pupils) and much less 'friendly'. I didn't like the fact that the classrooms all have the toilets and cloakrooms attached and the pupils eat lunch at their desks so there is no need for them to ever leave their room and mix with the other kids. They have one full school assembly a week which is the only time they are all together. They also had less external activities.
Another thing that really bothered me was that one of the teachers had a facial piercing below her lip. I am old fashioned enough to think that inappropriate and yes I know it makes no difference to her skill as a teacher but it really put me off. There seemed a much more defined line between staff and pupils at the CofE School, a level of respect that seemed lacking in the other one.
Anyway, as those are the only two schools close enough to us for it to be easy for DH to drop off we aren't bothering to look at any more. I won't be heart broken if Lia ends up at the school next door but I am prepared to try and appeal against the decision. Interestingly the CofE School told us they get quite a few transfers from the other School - three already this year - so that might be an option in the future.
So now we wait and hope. We'll know the decision at the end of March...
9 hours ago
6 comments:
Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. It sounds like it would be the best decision for you all.
Glad you made a decision, the smaller friendlier one will be great. Hope you get a place.
Good luck, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed Lia gets in
Good luck. Fewer students at the CofE School usually means more one-on-one interaction between the teacher and the student which can help greatly with a student's learning.
I hate to admit it but I wouldn't like facial piercings either. I have tattoos and when choosing work wear, I deliberately make sure they are covered too. I don't consider them to be appropriate.
I hope you get the C of E one. I wouldn't like to have my lunch at a desk.
I hope all goes well for you,
The bag is lovely by the way!
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