Grandma confused re getting into schools

[Kalamiphile]

My daughter lives in NW10 and has an excellent school opposite (Mr Therouxes child goes there) She thinks as she lives opposite she just puts her name down in September and she will get a place. If I mention stuff I have read on this EDT she thinks I am being negative and creating problems. The area has a highly mixed ethnic culture of Polish, Somali and Africans ie potentially large families. What is the process for nursery, do you just put your name down with the school you fancy or is it done differently now?

many thanks

[Ruth_Baldock]

Different boroughs have different policies, so I think it would be impossible for us to comment on your daughter and granddaughter's situation. I would advise her calling the primary school directly for advice re: nursery admissions, but a nursery place doesn't guarantee a primary school place (in Southwark at least)

[Cora]

And do it now not in September when all places will have been allocated....Also check the admissions process for entry into the reception class as the deadline tends to be the Jan before entry...you don't want to miss that too...living nearby will not guarantee you a place if you don't get your application in on time.

[Kalamiphile]

Many thanks for that. I did look at the Brent site and she does have to approach the head directly, but may suggest to her to do it earlier than September as you say Cora.

[Cora]

Names can be put down from the age of two for nursery and I'm pretty sure that often nursery is based on the child's age as opposed to distance from school (hence why many get into the nursery but not school). If not done ASAP you may find others who put their name down before you will get the places on a first come first serve basis. If she is older than two persuade grandma to go into the school on Tues just after the half-term break (or go in yourself and pick up an application form). Good Luck.

Ps think local nurseries have already offered their places for this Sept

[fapl]

I live in Lewisham borough. In Lewisham for nursery you apply to schools directly, and most schools have now already offered nursery places for September 2012 (the 2 schools I applied to for my son have). You have no right to a nursery place and no right to appeal, as it is not compulsory school age, if you miss out too bad really, it is different to reception applications.

[Mrs TP]

Things can be very different in different local areas. I have relatives with little ones in Welwyn and Chelmsford who breezed into their local school nurseries and just can't comprehend how tough it is around here and the problems obtaining and expenses we have faced with childcare. However your daughter needs to check out the exact process for the school and go to an open day - if she mixes with other potential parents at an open day who are more aware of the true local situation then this should help either reassure her or encourage her into more action to secure a place somewhere.

Good luck - daughters of any age don't like listening to their mums! And we all know they are usually right.

[Kalamiphile]

Thanks Mrs TP, made me smile. My daughter is very good at begrudgingly saying, yes I know, you were right. But next time I mention something, we are back at square one! Bless>:D< Will definately think about open day as I look after my grandgirl every 2 weeks and can always go to a school event.

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi Kalamiphile,

if your daughter lives in Brent, here is the information on nursery applicationsBrent Nursery Admissions

If your grandaughter is 5 between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014, your daughter needs to put in her application for primary school by the closing date in January.

Renata

[Kalamiphile]

Thank you for that Renata, I had found it yesterday and realised that she did need to contact the school directly. They already go to Curzon which offers excellent activities for toddlers and young children

[Ruth_Baldock]

I'm sure you mean well by taking your Grandaughter into the nursery/school on an open day, but if my Mum or MIL went over my head and did this without asking me first, I would feel so hurt, and a bit patronised actually.

It's lovely that you are so involved with your daughter and GD and you are obviously close to them all, but do think about asking your daughter first. Perhaps she has been ignoring your advice because she doesn't want her daughter to go to the school opposite her house; maybe she is exploring other options? Just a thought.

[Kalamiphile]

Sorry Ruth, didnt make myself clear I realise, of course I would not go on my own, but as we go to the fetes at the school I might suggest that she speaks to other mums, the reason she wants her daughter to go to the school is that it has 'good' ofsted and is right opposite her house!

I have learnt over the years with both of my daughters to never do anything without them wanting me or asking me to do it, but thanks for reminding all us older Mums to be thoughtful x

[Ruth_Baldock]

:) Ah, right!

Sorry if I offended, I suppose this all hit a nerve. My own Mum tried to put

my children's name down for our synagogue's Kindergarten. Which is in Finchley. And extortinate. And obviously religious, which we aren't really bringing our children up to be.

[Kalamiphile]

No offence taken as i didnt feel there was any offence meant, and can understand why you might be a tad touchy. Made me smile tho', your storey reminded me of that old BT advert with Maureen Lipman :))