Ivydale or Goodrich?

[bee74]

We are thinking of moving but the house is in a no man's land for primary schools: most likely choices are Ivydale or Goodrich. Any thoughts?

Also we can't apply till we have got a Council Tax bill and that might not be till past April, so what to do?

Thank you

[Vik]

Contact the council and they will send you proof that you are paying council tax.

No personal experience of either school but have heard good things about both - not much help, sorry!

[bee74]

yes, i can do that, but realistically we won't have the house till way past the deadline of 15th Feb, more likely April...

[Trish]

I'm very happy with Goodrich - and it seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment. A new head came in a year or so ago and transformed the school - identified the problems, told everyone how he was going to sort them out and got on with it. The teachers are lovely and I've been overwhelmed and proud to be a part of such a lovely, friendly community school.

[hazelnunhead]

bee when we moved to the area, I applied for Ivydale as we were moving from north london to south london over the period of applying for schools Jan/feb. (I spoke to the school about this) and mentioned that I would only get billings past the date (as I was also relying on completions etc) - they said that was fine, and I brought in documentation when my daughter started school or at the initial introductions. I would phone both schools to check, but I think you can apply if you can show appropraite documentation when needed.

I am sure Ivydale is taking on another bulge class for 2013 as well.

[bee74]

hazelnunhead: thank you. although i m not sure i follow. I will pm you.

trish: that's good to know. phew!

[hazelnunhead]

sorry bee, i sent you a PM to try and avoid confusion from my earlier post - but what i was trying to say was that I applied in January for schools for my daugther in SE although I had not yet physically moved to SE. (We had bought a property, but were waiting to complete on buying and selling and i did not have a date of actual moving in - which happened in the first week of Feb). I contacted the school to let them know my situation, and they said this was okay, and i showed them the documentation nearer when my daughter went to school.

[nunheadmum]

Think Hazelnunhead is right - you don't need the paperwork at least until you accept the place and possibly until you go along to the official meeting in the summer term when they tell you what class etc your kid will be in. But you can always call the school and ask.

Ivydale is taking a bulge this year (2013/14) but with virtually 2 classes full of siblings anticipated, there's no telling if it the third class will make any real difference to the catchment area. (i.e. compared to a 'normal' year - obviously were there no bulge, the catchment for non siblings would be non-existent).

I've got 2 kids at Ivydale and they love it. The usual minor grumbles but the school has a lovely feel and has just received it's first 'Good' ofsted report for a while. The head seems to be moving things in the right direction. And the parents are a good bunch generally - nice feel in the playground, I find.

[Mrs TP]

Oh gosh I am probably going to be a bit miserable as in like us all applying this year it's going to be a case of where there is space rather than choice but no harm on you having feedback on both from parents involved in those schools and you developing a preference. Heard good things about them both. And on reflection just really grumbling to myself as we should have a sibling place elsewhere to your considerations but there are so many siblings at our school I don't feel that is a cert either.

Many schools popular and all doing their own flavour of good stuff!

[bee74]

I can't do what Hazelnunhead did because she had already got the place in Feb - before they go and check where you actually live. So I need to go on waiting list.

And what happens if he doesn't get a place at a school we want?! Could I keep my son at nursery? Or do home schooling for a year and hope for more spaces in year 1?

[nunheadmum]

I don't think keeping your son at nursery would be an option. Although I don't think you MUST have your child in reception, I'm not sure that any nurseries cater for kids of reception age. Home schooling could work. But if you don't get a place for reception, there isn't really any better chance of getting one for Year 1. Some spaces may come up but if you don't tick lots of the criteria - siblings, special needs, very close to school - you may find that others come along and hop over you on the waiting list. By all means stay on the list of the school you want but don't rely on getting a place.

The school situation really is frustrating around here. I wish there was a better answer.

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi Bee,

You can keep your child in nursery or at home until the term after their fifth birthday. However, those with summer birthdays will need to start school at Easter of the reception year at the latest as the next September would be in the following year. If you want some help please pm or email me.

Renata