Meme is my first child and, I am not ashamed to say, I’m constantly learning and obviously making mistakes along the way. I guess your first child is like the guinea pig, as soon as they are born and they are placed into your arms you are responsible for making choices for them, and lets face it most of us have no idea what to do, there is no instruction manual, all you can do is trust your judgement and do your best.
So when it came to choosing a school for Meme I had no idea what I was doing. We sought advice from friends and family and made appointments to go and look around some local schools. We are lucky enough to live quite close to two schools both with really good reputations. One is a small church school and the other is a much larger school. Initially, my first preference was the smaller school, Meme actually went to this pre school and enjoyed it. We went to visit and really liked it, the Head teacher was really friendly and I warmed to her instantly. I noticed little things like the Head teacher knew all the children’s names as we walked around and I felt like it had a really family feel. Meme is quite quiet so I thought that small school may suit her better. We then went to visit the bigger school, which also had some really good points. There seems to be quite interactive lessons which I liked, there were much more resources available and the setting of the school really appealed to us. It was large and spacious with lots of outside space, and a separate building for the older children.
After much deliberation we chose the larger school, it had such an outstanding academic record it was hard to see past it. I felt the school offered such opportunity and I hoped Meme would grow there. So off she went in September, my girl making her first steps into the world without Mummy and, here I am six months on, assessing our decision. I have made no surprise that school hasn’t been an easy transition for Meme, she has struggled at times, she had found it over whelming and tiring, if I am being truthful we all have. I do often question if we made the right school decision, if the smaller school might have allowed Meme to settle in easier, if a more family feel would have made her feel more comfortable. Was I blinded by the shiny OFSTED report of the larger school? Who knows, it is a question to which we will never know the answer. It may have taken her a while to settle into the other school also, who knows. What I do know is that academically she is flourishing, she is top of the class in Mathematics and I am amazed at her reading. I do not regret our decision but I do often wonder.
Important decisions, I would have welcomed a crystal ball to see into the future, to give me some guidance. Such an important part of Meme’s life, a decision that was going to shape my little girl into the person she is going to be. I think times like this, when important decisions need to be made, are definitely the hardest part of being a parent. I honestly at times don’t feel equipped to make them.
How did you decide what school your little one went to? Any regrets?
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I’m sure the choice you made will be a good one, you can only do your research and jump with your heart. In the end what matters more is the support you give Meme from home. #SharewithMe
Thank you lovely x
School is such a big decision. We have to make a decision about nursery school soon… and then which big schools to apply to for next year. I think the grass can seem greener on the other side… but look how amazing Meme is doing already. Well done her! I agree that what really matters is the support you can give from home. 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
It is such a big decision, harder than I realised it would be (as is everything when it comes to parenting!). Thanks for taking the time to comment x
Ooh and we find out on the 16th April whether Eva has gotten into our choice of school!! My children will go to the same primary school that I went to, it makes sense as it’s a great school, is literally at the end of our road, it’s a county primary (which is great as we aren’t religious) and I have to admit, I liked the idea of her going to my school. My eldest actually goes to my high school and the younger three will also go there, it’s something that has happened in my family over the generations (my parents went there too) so it’s a really nice tradition.
It sounds like Meme is doing really well, she certainly looks happy enough! #sharewithme
Oh I love this, what a great tradition! Thanks for your comment x
It sounds like Meme is doing really well. Although I don’t have a school age child I can relate to the stress of the big decisions – I worried non-stop about choosing a nursery, but was really lucky in our choice. Unfortunately in our area I don’t think we’ll get a choice of which school. Luckily our local one is well regarded, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s the right one for your child, does it? #BloggerClubUK
Its not easy is it. Feels like such a weight on your shoulders. Two of kids have additional needs and although we’ve been really happy with the school’s they got into, at the time it was a real worry…#UKBloggerClub
I am glad it worked out for you. It is such a tough time and at least we got the choice many parents don’t end up with their choice of school. Thanks for your comment x
As a teacher and a parent I can see both sides of the coin. It can take children, especially shyer ones, quite awhile (often up to a year) to really settle but once she does you will see her thrive since she is doing so well already. Children are resilient and she doesnt know any different. Your gut instinct should never be ignored and you felt that school would be best for her in the long run and I am sure that will be the case.
Thank you for your comment Laura I really appreciate seeing it from a teachers point of view. I wasn’t even sure how long it would take her to settle in, such a big change for them. x
Mine aren’t of school age yet so I can’t answer your question. But I do agree that there are some big decisions we have to make on behalf of our kids and it is daunting and I too worry whether I will make the right one. It is one of those where hindsight is a wonderful thing. But I think styling into a school is a challenge for a lot of kids and the fact she is doing so well academically says a lot! Xx #bloggerclubuk
If you had chosen the smaller school you would have the same doubts I’m sure, but I bet she would’ve struggled to settle in any school, it’s a hell of a transition.
We just reached a decision ourselves regarding preschool for my daughter. We had gone back and forth whether or not we should have her do 2 years of preschool or just 1 year. It is really difficult to know whether or not you’re going with the right decision for your child, but that it will work out because we want what’s best for our children. It sounds like you did what was best for Meme if she’s doing well in school. I hope she continues to adjust and do well. #FabFridayPost
Thank you Candace such a tough decision. x
I moved from London to Hitchin fairly right next door to an outstanding oftsead school. But we looked around before we made the decisions. It turned out Ethan did not like that school and he chose to go to the furthest school – by mean we have to 30 mins walk/ 20 mins cycle for the school runs. But we haven’t regret it – it is not an outstanding ofstead school but it is a bit like home – you just have that feeling he will settle and do well regardless. We can only do our best. If things get tougher for meme then talk to her about what she wants. I am by no mean giving you advice. I think if you have happy kids, you’ll also have happy parents. Thank you so much for sharing your personal post with us on #FabFridayPost
Thank you lovely x
I moved from London to Hitchin fairly right next door to an outstanding oftsead school. But we looked around before we made the decisions. It turned out Ethan did not like that school and he chose to go to the furthest school – by mean we have to 30 mins walk/ 20 mins cycle for the school runs. But we haven’t regret it – it is not an outstanding ofstead school but it is a bit like home – you just have that feeling he will settle and do well regardless. We can only do our best. If things get tougher for meme then talk to her about what she wants. I am by no mean giving you advice. I think if you have happy kids, you’ll also have happy parents. Thank you so much for sharing your personal post with us on #FabFridayPost xx
oh it’s such a hard choice. and we’ve just had to make it for secondary school. but what I’ve learned through primary is that some years I’ve felt that my gut feeling/heart led choice was right, and other years I’ve doubted myself. There’ve been months when I’m ready to homeschool, and then the reality of that has brought me back to my senses. I don’t know what R’s life would be like now if we’d chose the other school, but she’s pretty awesome just as she is and that’s in part due to her 7 years at this school. And perhaps that’s what’s more important; that we care enough and value our kids enough to work with whichever school we choose and provide the best for our kids.
would love to have this linked up at #treasuredmoments mostly because it’s made me think about mine.
Such a lovely comment. All we can do it our best. Yes I will link it up to #treasuredmoments also thank you x
This is an interesting post for me as we had exactly the same choice pretty much and did as you have done and opted for the larger, shiny OFSTED rated one. We don’t know if we have been successful or not yet as we only find out mid April. Monkey will only just be 4 when he starts and I am left wondering if we have made the right decision and he is not even there yet. Its difficult. There is no right answer. It sounds like your daughter is doing really well academically, hopefully the rest will catch up :). I have always thought if you go wit your gut you are making the right decision! Thank you for joining us at #BloggerClubUK hope to see you again next week x
Thank you lovely and I hope you get the school of your choice x
This is such a huge decision for a parent to make. I am sure you made the right one – it’s always best to go with your instinct I think. Look forward to hearing how Meme gets on xx #MarvMondays
Thank you lovely x
I think schools are such a huge decision but I reckon your weighed everything up and did what was best. I think meme would have been tired and had a little adjustment regardless as it must be such a big change!! xx #marvmondays
I agree,she probably would of been the same in the smaller school. I think I just underestimated what a big transition it was for her. Thank you for your comment x
I made my decision based on the fact my mum volunteers at the school, the fact it’s close to his preschool and he is familiar with it. However, we haven’t even got the decision yet and are probably moving so I’ll have to make the decision all over again. It feels like a really huge responsibility. You did what you thought was best. That’s all any of us parents can do.
#MarvMondays
Thank you, a huge bonus if a family member volunteers there, your Mum will have a real feel for the school which is such an advantage. Thank you for taking the time to comment x
Thanks for your comment x
I guess as a Mum we always doubt ourselves at times. Thanks for your comment x
Of yes I had this just last September with B starting school. Being an expat the systems even confuse me as much as picking one school that was right for him. It’s a long process but viewing as many as possible and following your gut feeling on them is the best we can do. Sounds like you have done your homework. We also picked a school that we knew siblings would get into as well as so many of our friends have had to move kids around for siblings not getting in. It’s a crazy process. Best of luck I know I am not helping sorry. I am still nervous for MM to start next year. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me and the continual support. #sharewithme
It’s such a big decision and one which we spent a long time agonising over. I think the main thing is just to go with your gut decision. Good luck lovely. x
I think you just have to look at all your options, weight every thing up and trust the decision you’ve made off the back of that. It’s so hard though – I have no idea how we’re going to do it as there are a few very good schools in the area. I’m sure the decision you make with be the right one x #fortheloveofBLOG