Today our little family visited a local primary to find out more about state education, it's goals, curriculum, ethos and specifically for this school- how it feels to be inside.
I was really impressed, it was airy and spacious- full of projects and art work on every wall. It was national book day so all the kids and most of the teachers were dressed in fancy dress of characters from books- lots of Disney princesses!!!
The head showed us round, he was obviously very enthusiastic and keen to showcase the academic achievements and facilities to had to offer.
Thing is, it's just not Elmfield- that's the Steiner school wills and me have been attending for family sessions.
Steiner education takes things slowly in the early years, not starting formal education until age 7 an concentrating more on creative subjects and sense of self instead. I like this philosophy- but I'm learning in life that just to listen to one opinion, even if it resonates with you, is not the way to draw conclusions and make big decisions!
That's why we visited Roberts primary today. I wanted to understand what the alternative was to Steiner and to wrap my head around the differences before I take for granted my gut feeling- I love Elmfield!
So- what's the conclusion- I was impressed by the school, it's plus points for me were the forest school that the head was keen to talk about, the environment zone ( solar and wind power- recycling and Eco projects). The children seemed happy and it seemed fairly relaxed even though it is a HUGE school.
Negatives though-it's a HUGE school, it can't possibly hope to compete with the smaller child centred approach of Elmfield- it's just basic numbers- 3 reception classes! Think that equates to 3 classes for each year! That's immense! At my primary there was a class for each year- thats it.
I was surprised (shocked) when I saw what children under 7 achieve in terms of literacy an numeracy- should have been impressed, but the Steiner influence over me left me wondering at what expense do the children achieve. Elmfield kids don't have to think about SATS and concentrate on other aspects instead- I definitely don't feel comfortable with testing kids so tiny- surely that has an effect on self esteem too early to be useful?
Conclusion? Well- James and I have been talking- gut feeling is Elmfield but it's not the easy option here, it means budgeting to afford it- fingers crossed for them getting academy status!
If we have more kids- how can we afford it? Then is it a question of siblings or Elmfield? That's not a decision I want to make.
Also- it doesn't make me feel great to think that my kid gets a special private education just because we can scrape the funds (or part thereof) I want to support state school, but: I just can't help thinking- we have a choice! We live close enough to this very special place- if we didn't I couldn't even consider it, but we do and we can!!
Elmfield seems to be very special, we love the community associated with it- the other families I know at family group have similar priorities in terms of lifestyle. When we are there lots of exciting things happen, opportunities arise and there is always something coming up that is of interest- can another school give us that? The community element?
You have to pay fees but you get a community along with the education that sustains the whole family.
Secretly I just want to go there myself- I want william to have the opportunity to do all the exciting things it offers. I want him to take his childhood slowly and at his pace and be a confident little boy as he is now.
Hum, more thought is needed x
Photos taken last year of Elmfield nursery an grounds.
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