shaggy78

I have read through the admissions criteria available online for Charter School, Kingsdale, and Haberdashers Aske, but am a little confused. I have three questions at the moment:- 1. Why do Charter School state clearly that 'no' they do not have a catchment area, but then go on to describe how once initial places are allocated based upon criteria that I do not think apply to my child, the remaining spaces go to 'children who live nearest to the school'? To me this seems to imply a catchment area... am I missing something? 2. I have not found references on the Kingsdale website do to catchment areas or similiar, but I read on this forum and also I think somewhere on the Kingsdale website that places are allocated by lottery. Does this mean that it is entirely down to luck whether one gets a place, and nothing relating to location or ability? I see though that there are various scholarships offered, which seem to me to mean that it's not entirely 'luck', but also attainment based assessment? 3. Haberdashers do I think seem to have a catchment area, measured from the school gate... but I cannot find what that distance is ... does anyone know?

We have been so happy at Little Fingers and still are. Our older one is due to finish in a few days (sadly) as he is starting Reception. He's learnt a huge amount and made such good friends. The full timers or those lucky enough to attend 4 days a week all learn how to read and write before they even go to school - it is amazing. They don't push and it is down to the child's individual ability. We have a younger one in the baby room and she is ever so happy. The care is outstanding - it's a family business so they really do care a lot and seem to hire carefully selected staff. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know anything specific. Happy to have a chat.

Ours has been down due to undefined engineering works in the area for the last four days ! No landline or internet.

I would also like to add a very positive review for Little Fingers - our boy has been there since he turned 1, and he has been so very happy ever since. Comes home full of happiness every day, and we can see how much he looks forward to being dropped off in the mornings (he often doesn't want to leave! when we pick him up!). We have been very impressed with how attentive the staff are to his needs, and a real sense that they take pleasure in their jobs, supporting him in his development in imaginative ways - combined with a genuine warmth and love for seeing the little ones grow and learn. Really wouldn't hesitate to heartily recommend... They've (finally) got a website, www.littlefingersmontessori.com, and also (after a bit of a wait) got their 'mymontesorri child' online progress/development diary for parents up and running which is a good addition.

I would like the number for Mandy too please if anybody has it?

What a loss - this was a fabulous cafe with amazing cakes and food! So so sad to see you go.