Today we went to visit 2 prospective schools for Lavigne. They were poles apart. Not in terms of distance but the environment, the staff, the facilities and location. The first one we went to, Playbox, is very old. Though the person-in-charge made me feel welcome, the rest of the teachers merely looked at us. The toys that were laid out were old and disorganised. In fact, I don't see much things around and it didn't seem like a school to me. More like a place for Mother and Toddler group. However, this is located near the town so I can nip into Tesco Metro for a grocery run while she attends school. It is also one of the cheapest around.
The second one, Englefield Green Montessori School, is located in the heart of the village where we live. The location is quite rural and I have to drive there. We were met by the school's head at the carpark. She is extremely friendly and provided us with alot of information. The first thing that caught my eye when I walked into the building was a Thomson Medical Baby Bag hanging on a student peg. I asked if there's any Singaporeans studying there and indeed so, there are 2. I certainly do not know of any Singaporeans living around this area. Hey, time to make new friends! This school had just been refurbished last summer so everything looks new. I also saw many qualilty learning tools and materials, including a computer for the pupils to use. The staff were all very smiley and greeted us. What really attracted Adrian and me is the surrounding. There's a big field next to the school and an outdoor play area with many climbing frames, slides and other toys, just like a proper playground. When we were there, it felt like we were having a picnic out in the woods. Very quiet and peaceful. Lavigne wasted no time in trying out the toys. She stayed there herself when we went back into the building to speak to the school's head. However, the downside is the fees. It is one of the steepest around at almost 5pounds an hour.
Come January 2008, Lavigne will have turned 3 and we will be able to get government grants for the fees. However, it'll only cover up to slightly over 8pounds per day. The total fee for a day for the second school will come to about 15pounds. So we'll have to fork out an extra 7pounds each day and more if Lavigne wants to stay an extra hour for lunch or full day. 7pounds per day may not sound much but as we have no income, it's quite alot.
The next best option will be the pre-nursery school at Louisa's school. Very convenient but they don't apply for the government grant for parents, which is strange because we parents don't apply it ourselves and it is the role of the school to do so. It is also cheaper than the Monstessori school. After dinner earlier, Adrian asked Lavigne, 'Do you prefer the 3pounds school or 5pounds one?' I was going to say she wouldn't understand what he's trying to ask and before I could do that, she replied, '5pounds one'. I burst out laughing!
We're trying to apply for extra funding and if it comes through, we'll probably send her to the bird-chirping, nature surrounded Montessori school.
2 comments:
I will pay for the fees to the nice sch for lavigne....:)
Dashing Dan.
Dan, do you know there's a children's song with the words 'Dashing Dan' in it? Louisa had been singing the song in her music class for the past few weeks.
'He is my dog, Dashing Dan....he will catch you if he can....he is loyal he is true... Dan will wag his tail for you......wag wag wag wag woof woof woof woof yao! I'll get her to sing for you..it's a really funny song.
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