What are the chances of getting a place?

zyraaisha

Hi everyone. We are moving to Dublin (Castleknock) in June from Dubai. We have never lived in Ireland before. So anyway, my son who will be 4 in April is due to start JI in September. We are Muslims and there are two multi/non denominational schools in our area. My son is on waiting lists for both primary schools. What are the chances of him getting a place? And if he doesn't get a place in these two schools, do I have other options? Or do I just keep him home for the 2018 term? Thanks.

Moonbeam

Hi,

4 in April would be quite young to start school in Ireland.
He might be better off doing 1 year of preschool under the government funded ECCE scheme and then going to school the following year.
You will need to contact both schools and ask about their admissions policy.
Some schools have a 5 year waiting list, which crazy as it sounds is part of life here,others always have space.
Our "normal" /most common schools here are National Schools and come under the patronage of the catholic church and are finded by the Dept of Education, but in a lot of these schools there could be 10-12 native languages and multiple religions.
The waiting lists appear to be worst for Educate Together Schools and Gaelscoils (irish language schools)

zyraaisha

Thanks a mil moonbeam. That was very helpful. However, I thought children start Junior Infants at 4 years old? Does that mean he doesnt have any chance get a place because he is too young?

Moonbeam

It depends on the individual schools enrollment policy.
There is 19 months between the youngest and oldest in my daughters senior infant class.
This isn't very normal but the nearer to 5 the better.

zyraaisha

Thank you again Moonbeam 😊

Big Bag of Chips

I know it's a generalisation but boys do tend to need to be closer to 5 when starting. The free preschool year was introduced, partly to help with the childcare costs but partly to give children a year in preschool to be that bit older starting school.

At 4 in April he will definitely be one of the youngest in his class. My daughter is the youngest in her class and I often check that she's doing ok. Teachers all have told me she's fine, she's sociable mixes well with her class and is able for the academic side. They all have told me it's usually boys who struggle if they start young.

Again, that's a generalisation and you will know your own child better. My daughter started at 4 and is flying. I kept my son until he was 5 because I knew he wouldn't have been able for it, socially, at 4. Academically there are no issues, but he would have been too young at 4.

zyraaisha

Thank you for your input Big Bag of Chips. I appreciate it. My children (currently 2 and 3) have been attending a nursery/daycare here in Dubai since they were 1, "going to school" has always been a part of their daily routine. My son knows the alphabet and numbers from his class so I think he will be ok academically speaking. However, I started looking at preschools in there too. Hopefully, they will get a place in the preschool. Thanks so much for all your advice.

Big Bag of Chips

Yeah, academically none of my children have any issue, thankfully. But I just knew myself that my son wouldn't have been ready socially and emotionally at 4 for "big school" and the yard and all the other things that come with starting primary school! The extra year made a world of difference to him. He certainly would not be unusual starting at 5. So if you have the option, or if it's looking likely that he won't get a place at 4, holding him for another year certainly wouldn't be something to be concerned about.

zyraaisha

Yes, you are absolutely right. I never thought of that. He might get overwhelmed with the move and then a move to a big school too. Thanks so much. Now I am praying that they will get a place in the preschool. Are they as overbooked as primary schools? That's my last question, I promise. Thanks again.

Big Bag of Chips

Not really because there are a lot more preschool facilities around than schools. Some might be booked up, but you'd definitely get a place somewhere for him.

And ask all the questions you like! I know I would be if I was moving country!!

overmantle

It might be worth your while thinking beyond these two schools and considering other inclusive schools. They may not be multi or non-denominational but many denominational schools are very inclusive, diverse, multi-cultural schools now, especially in urban and suburban areas.

zyraaisha

Big Bag of Chips wrote: »

Not really because there are a lot more preschool facilities around than schools. Some might be booked up, but you'd definitely get a place somewhere for him.

And ask all the questions you like! I know I would be if I was moving country!!

I started sending emails to the preschools in the area so hopefully will hear back after the weekend. Thank you so much again. You're a star.

zyraaisha

overmantle wrote: »

It might be worth your while thinking beyond these two schools and considering other inclusive schools. They may not be multi or non-denominational but many denominational schools are very inclusive, diverse, multi-cultural schools now, especially in urban and suburban areas.

Hi Overmantle. I did check all the other schools in the area. However, according to their admission policy they give priority to the Catholic children of the parish. I am actually a Catholic myself but my husband is Muslim so our children are following his religion. We are not the religious type and we really don't mind sending them to Catholic schools, we just try to avoid the situation where our children will be different from everyone else. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.

overmantle

If Catholic children get first preference, it doesn't mean that your son won't get a place. Is there a school of another faith in the area?