I come from London , and grew up going to school there , but I now live on the Isle of Wight. The school stages are very differnent on the Isle of Wight to that in London. The way I am used to is ............. going to Primary school from the age of 4 , until the age of 11 , then moving up to secondary school until the age of 16. But the school stages on the island seem confusing to me. Here the children start Primary school aged from 4 until 8-9. Then they go to a middle school until the age of 12 , then up to High school until the age of 16. It seems like alot of change for changes sake to me. Alot of moving up through different schools losing friends along the way to  Read the complete review

My little girl is 5 this October and she starts reception year in September. I am glad that she will attend school with her brother who will be two years up from her.. It is just that when you give birth to these bundles of joy, it never prepares you for that little feeling of loss as they walk through the school gate for the first time. Even though the teacher may have had 20 years of experience, there is still that nagging doubt as to if your little cherub will be looked after ok. Isn't it bizarre? In a way we parents should be celebrating regaining a little bit of spare time.... although we don't, do we. Remember my sons first day.... I was ok until I ...  Read the complete review

When you first take your child to school it is one of the most frightening moments of your life, you have to learn to let go and give them some independence, it is as scary for them as it is for you on their first day but you get used to it and end up enjoying the bit of peace and quiet you get once their out of your hair for the day. It is always an advantage to get to know their teacher so that you would feel more comfotable leaving your child at school with ...  Read the complete review

My son is about to turn 5. It seems like yesterday to me that he was in his toddler stage. Hainvg had baby number 2 (iyr old now) my son is now the `big boy'. He wants to be independent. And god knows he's been going to nursery since 6months, schools since 3yrs (half days) and reception class since 4yrs (full days). So he has earned a certain amount of independant activity. It used to scare me rotten when he disappeared out of my sight when playing in the park, now he runs home from school across the park and we are often at opposite sides (but still within eye sight). He decides he is going to go somewhere with mates, and believe me 4yr ...  Read the complete review