From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

EssexHebridean said:

I remember from bitter experience that even looing summer holiday's don't feel like much of a "win" when you are already having a stressy time of it at the school you then have to go back to - so that is certainly something to be aware of. If a change of class was going to happen, over the summer might be a good time as at least then LG would be going back to something different, rather than worrying about returning to "more of the same". 

Erm, but it will be more of the same EH - with a sub-optimal teacher.  If LG was in the other class it would be more of the same with a (possibly) slightly more optimal teacher. In an ideal world we would move LG to a different school, but in reality, with catchment areas, over subscribing and league tables, that is practically impossible.  Most schools defer to the local authority to administer admissions, and we've been through that system, and it's extremely inflexible and rigid, with catchment area being the key eligibility criteria for children without an education action plan.

Greying X

Greying_Pilgrim

As dearest rt points out, in the interests of keeping this diary on a mortgage theme, I did the money shuffle yesterday and the windows fund was increased slightly.  Only slightly as we had big (new to us) car expenses to meet and (this isn't a complaint) DH's pay packet had zero o/t and only a small bonus payment - and yes, we're very blessed, so don't see that as complaint, I'm just trying to detail what we're working with - including a changed tax code due to temporarily having a bit more in savings because of the house-sale money.  Not a mistake to be repeated, as we've spent the dosh on this place!

I need to readjust my siggie figgie.  I saw a house locally having windows replaced last week (I think I may have mentioned this in the post that got munched), they were being fitted by my (notional) preferred local installation firm and the UPVC colour really sang to me.  However, anything other than white may prove cost prohibitive anyway, but a gal can dream.  So, to that end, I have started (again) to shift my butt and de-clutter, so that we can actually have people round to measure up.  I will (hope to) get several quotes, but folk need to get near the windows do the measuring.  If we had better windows, it wouldn't magically enhance the resale price of the house, but it's one less 'shabbiness' factor.  Priority would then turn to the garden.  How I wish we had unfettered access and could get a mini-digger in for the day.  

I have to be honest, even if we could off-load this place, I really don't know what else we could afford.  I don't think even I can save fast enough to make up the short-fall. 

But of course, new windows should - fingers crossed - help with heating and cooling, primarily in addition to any enhancement of kerb appeal.  Oh, and just in case you wondered about my thinking, if we went for coloured UPVC, it would be very subtle and hopefully timeless - I'm not attracted to having a statement house with flamingo pink windows........ (I know, I'm soooooo boring, right?).  

I've decided to set the grocery budget at £300 for July.  Hopefully I can come under, or just on this budget, as - to be fair - I have done OK-ish with my recent monthly challenges, with the exception of June which went about 15% over (although 15% over a tight budget isn't as bad as it could have been).  

Tea is going to be curry plate - contents yet to be determined.  The fridge is slightly bare, although the cupboards aren't too bad - I have plenty of some things and nowt of others.  But I am amazed that I limped to the end of June without masses extra being spent on food, we had "reasonable" variation and nobody went without "something".  We didn't resort to takeaway, and I don't think............. I'm reasonably sure I'm accurate saying this....  we didn't eat out in June - not even coffee/cake.  

Onwards and upwards - and as I said, I shall try to button it about education now.  I'm sick of it, and I've skin in the game - heaven knows how boring it must be for you guys.

Greying X

VintageHistorian

I wouldn't worry about the education rants Greying. You've mentioned before that you don't have close family members or a Mum Group around you, and you need to get the cross feelings out somewhere.

Greying_Pilgrim

VintageHistorian said:

I wouldn't worry about the education rants Greying. You've mentioned before that you don't have close family members or a Mum Group around you, and you need to get the cross feelings out somewhere.

Thanks love, you have no idea how kind you are saying that.  X

Humdinger1

This is your diary @Greying_Pilgrim and you are allowed to talk on here about life, which does after all impact financial decisions.   You don't have to justify yourself to me or anyone else on here; is it even worth looking into home schooling if there are nearby networks you can join? Sounds like the Steiner school might not be workable; a pity as what's coming across to me (and I may be wrong) is that what would work well is education that doesn't compound the materialistic culture surrounding us.  I think home schooling may be the most practical option; you're clearly clever and well informed and the social side would be catered for by other families doing the same.  I also wonder how much LG  complaining about a class would be seen as her own idea, regardless of what she says. Tell me to mind my own business, but I think it's going to be a struggle within the system you describe. 

I know some will not approve of this suggestion,  but given the options here, would it be worth renting out your house and renting another in catchment  for a school you'd like? I appreciate that LG may need to start in her current placement and move, but that might be better than never moving.   The prevailing culture of a school or society at large can't be fixed by one family in this timescale in my view, but there could well be better options for LG. Maybe there are other families whose children will be going to this school and you can connect? Love Humdinger xx 

kayannie

Sorry GP, I know you've had enough of talking school, but I was just wondering if you've had a talk with the head of the school regarding LG's feelings? 
KAxx

Greying_Pilgrim

Humdinger - thank you, but the rental option is a non-starter.  You're not allowed to have two homes and re-register at a different school.  It was that that we fell foul of (despite being up front and honest with the local authority) before.  I'm unsure as to whether home schooling would be right for LG, they crave socialisation.

kayannie - of the senior leadership team (SLT), the HT would not be the one to contact, but we have had conversations with a member of the SLT before.  I think the ethos of the school is somewhat set, and I'm not sure LG not fitting in would be top of their agenda to fix (and I have some sympathy with that viewpoint).  

Greying X

Blackcats

Greying you can chat about anything you want on your diary and hopefully you will receive support, insights, ideas, encouragement and kindness from us all with some pearls of wisdom along the way.

am I being overly optimistic to think that the school might have jiggled the classes a bit to tackle unhelpful friendship groups and dynamics in the year group?

Humdinger1

Understand @Greying_Pilgrim and you know LG best.  Will there be enough positive socialising at the new school for this to be worth considering?  Also understand the stance on catchment as I know my suggestion is gaming the system though when the potential outcomes are so different,  no wonder...

rtandon27

Greying_Pilgrim said:

As dearest rt points out, in the interests of keeping this diary on a mortgage theme...

ooops - I'm not sure what nonsense I said dearest @Greying_Pilgrim, but I whole-heartedly agree that this is YOUR virtual space & you most certainly NEED to vent that which affects you the most!  It is ALL relevant to how & why we go about tackling our mortgages, and always know that you've got a whole bunch of lovely ladies here that will talk to you over the virtual fence to offer advice and even just listen to what you have to say about what affects you most!