'supporting each other through really tough times'

savingqueen

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

SQ I think most senior schools have an open day/evening for prospective applicants and thier parents to visit and see the schools for themselves, usually with some of the pupils already there helping out. It's a useful exercise as you can get a real 'feel' for the atmosphere of the school by seeing how the kids interact with the visitors and staff and also perhaps even more important with each other. If you ring the secretaries of any schools you would like to see they will be able to give you dates for these open days. If you're really lucky you might even get a private visit, really useful as you can then see the school at work, and not just on show to the public!, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Thanks MrsLW, I noticed there are Open Days listed on the school websites for early summer. These are really designed for Year 5 (DS is in Year 4) but wondered if I could still go this year. I want to check the schools out a bit both in terms of the ethos, atmosphere etc and also try and see what chances DS has getting into each one - before I get DS too involved. You have to register for the selection tests quite early in year 5 but if he is going for them, I want him to get lots of practice in early so its not rushed or too much at once for him.

Problem is that a lot of his classmates will be going to the local school (the worst one both academically and for behaviour etc). We have just received an invitation from the local school for years 4-6 to attend an hour of activities each week after school to get them used to it. I think that's a brilliant idea but if DS goes and he loves it, what then? Fortunately we have already arranged for him to start back at swimming classes which are on the same time so he wouldn't be able to do both.

I need to be confident myself before I talk through the options more with him. He does understand and agree though that he wants to go to a decent school. Its difficult as even if he does sit the selection tests, he may not pass and even if he does all schools are very oversubcribed. I don't want him to feel he has been rejected/failed if we have to go for a plan B school. I am hoping that as we have 4 choices, even if they are oversubscribed, we will get one of them. It we don't get one of our choices, we will probably we get allocated the local one in special measures so its a bit of a risk. Maybe we will put top 3 choices and then a 4th safe averagely decent one. That's what we did with primary school, we got the 3rd slightly quirky choice. We would probably then get the 4th choice secondary school so not worth all the effort with selection tests!

Sorry to go on, its difficult to talk through with friends as they are in different situations, some happy to send to local school or have children who will go a special school etc. Two feel same as me but their children are very bright and more chance of getting in with that and older siblings already at a good school. If the local schools were better, I would probably not be thinking this way, probably not even consider a grammar school to be honest.

I will be a nervous wreck the time it all happens.

elona

DH just came back and has found out someone nearby is moving and wants to sell his big concrete shed and a greenhouse - not sure whether to be :eek: or :j

After a nice lunch and a chat about where to put the things feel it could be a really good idea as it will be a lot cheaper than buying new and DH will really enjoy using them. Good job I have been looking for bargains and using things up.

I now don't feel too bad about treating myself to a few things especially as they were bargains.

VJ'smum

Have a great time at Glastonbury.

savingqueen

VJsmum wrote: »

There's also things like friends will be loads of miles away and after school clubs might be tricky that should be considered too.

Those are such good points thanks. Conversely I wouldn't want him hanging round with a lot of the local school pupils. Sounds awful and snobby and I know there are lots of decent people but we are bit like square pegs sometimes where we live. I have found like minded souls and involved myself in community stuff but still feel an outsider in many ways. Like most people, I really wish we could afford to live in the nice areas but we don't so have to do the best with the opportunities we have. Its so blooming difficult!

fuddle

Just lost a big post. On MIL's old laptop and it's acting up. I haven't the heart to type it all again. I hope you forgive me.

I'm alright just busy. Will try drop by again this evening for a proper catch up.

kidcat

Wheres Mrs Chip? I just realised how long since she posted, was wondering how her business was getting on

Am having a catch up today as its raining, so far have finished DS14 DLA forms, applied for a cinema card for DS9 and have got DD7 designing a PTA logo!

Had a quick wander to the garden centre to look at stepping stones and prices of stuff for decking, that way I will have something to compare to when I get to the reclamation place.

[Deleted User]

Hello FUDDLE so nice to hear from you again. Hope the new job is getting easier because you're getting used to the hours and the littlies and hope you are getting less tired as you get used to the new routine. Look forward to hearing all your news when you do get a chance to post. Look after you pet, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Rowan9

Sun shining here - a glorious day so I hope yours has picked up mardatha as we're not far away.
Been round the park with the dog and enjoyed seeing loads of families out. Aaaah this weather is so good for you isn't it?
Had our Sunday lunch at 4pm. Braised chicken with loads of onions, carrots and neeps in it, potatoes, mixed veg and a Yorkie. Oh and a glass of chilled white wine. nomnomnom. Oh and followed by a snowball (coconunt cake not the drink ha ha).
Same again left over for tomorrow and then some salad for Tuesday. I like cooking a big chicken on a Sunday so I don't have to think of meals when I come in from work on Mon and Tues. Every Friday is an easy pasta & sauce and a bag of salad meal, so I only have to think on Wed, Thurs and Saturdays. That's what I like :T.
Off to have a read of my library book - Echkart Tolle's The Power of Now. very fab.
Enjoy Sunday every one.
W

fuddle

Hi Lyn it's been dull here today but we all enjoyed lovely day yesterday. Took Alf on a dog walk with 11 other dogs(all off lead was fab!) and kids, was chaotic but so much fun for us all. I then painted my toenails, donned my flipflops (last years do Primark still have flipflops for couple £ this year, not been in store to check it out yet) and met my old school friend for a cuppa. I haven't seen her for about 2 years so was nice. Hope you all got a nice

News is:
*Shed roof felt blew off last week. MIL's partner has given DH off cuts and pins so won't cost anything but DH's time.
*girls have had headlice! I was completely mortified!
*alfie has a girl friend he walks with at lunch time with the dog walker, a cocker spaniel. Poor, poor dog walker lol
*i have list 10lbs in weight since starting work. I'm very nearly a 14 which I'm chuffed about.

It's difficult working full time. There's times I have wanted to quit but I'm not a quitter. I'm enjoying being just me again and like the independence working gives me. I am thoroughly tight as ever though. I drive no more than 55mph onthe dual carriageway to work as to save fuel. I mix my own tuna mayo sandwhich filling which is heavy in the cucumber to bulk out and make sure that slow cooker is switched on before I leave in the morning.

Just about to go sort bath time out for kids and put a batch of yorkshires in oven for the week. You can't freeze ready made dumplings can you?

kidcat

Fuddle - I have bought dumplings frozen before so I am sure you can freeze them - I would guess at maybe part cooking them and then freezing, but am sure someone will have tried it and have a much better answer

Nargleblast

Fuddle - glad to hear you have settled back into the world of work. Sounds like you have things very organised - meals in slowcooker, taking own sarnies to work etc.
Kids' head lice - when my 2 had them we got a Robicomb, which works on a AA battery. Comb the hair and when the comb touches a louse it electrocutes the blighter! Made combing the kids' hair quite an entertaining pastime.....