I would largely ignore SATs as a proof of good teaching as so many kids round here are tutored which distorts the SATs results.

What is a better indicator is the value added score - kids are tested as they enter school and then onwards in the school - this shows just how much they have improved.

Yes, still waiting for the Ravenstone Report to be published...

On another note, received a letter from WBC this morning asking for 3 different proofs of address for the primary school application process.

I am delighted that they are doing this, especially after the comments on another thread re increase in local lettings etc...when I did call WBC to confirm the process, they did add that they were doing this for all applicants and taking the matter most seriously. If only now they provided us with more recycling bags too they would be doing a truly amazing job!!

Hi,

Re Ravenstone, have you had a look at the "Parent Views" section on the Ofsted website, they have had 80+ responses this year and I found some of the answers very interesting...

As for their Ofsted report, best to wait till it is officially published as there are, as always, very different rumours out there regarding how they performed.

A big thank you to all of you who have taken the time to post here, it really has helped us finally make up our minds!

Such a relief!!

Does anyone know how Ravenstone performed on their recent Ofsted assessment, it would be good to know as we are intending to place them as our second choice.

my daughter has attended TSM since she was 3 ,she attended the nursery there which I must say was and still is amazing , shes always enjoyed going to school, I have found that any problems questions or I need just a general update on my daughters progress I have always had the full support of the teachers or even the assistants in the class ,the activities trips etc that the school provide are amazing and the cost of anything is always kept to a minimum which is a great help ,I cant praise the school enough any parent should be proud to send their child there I know I am hope this helps new parents

My daughter is currently at TSM having started nursery there.She absolutely loves TSM and is always excited to go to school in the mornings. When she started nursery there she was a withdrawn, quiet child due to a serious brain infection which had left her behind her peers by about 6 months. Within weeks we saw a huge difference in her - a child who would not communicate or join in was absolutely blossoming and becoming a completely different child. The staff are amazing in encouraging and supporting her in her growth. They also treat the children like they are their own - the affection that the staff have for the children is genuine and heartfelt. My daughter is also encouraged as she is quite good at numeracy and receives extra work from the class teacher to stretch her. It was a very good decision to send her to TSM as she is a a happy, healthy and confident child and I recommend TSM completely

so nice to read such positive posts

I am intrigued enough now to book an appointment this week and have a look myself!

Although attending a C of E church may increase you're childs chances of getting in, it's not absolutely necessary...When filling out the religous criteria form, just write child does not attend church. My daughter is Muslim and it was never an issue for her getting in.

Honeybee

We explained that we were not CofE and they outlined the procedure to us, which included filling out the attached form

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/ ... ation_form

As for the leaflets through the post, yes we received one too and I think it is a great idea for schools to get out there and market themselves- as for being oversubscribed, we will only really know that in April when the results are published.

We had a leaflet through the door for TSM
I don't think they are oversubscribed

Do you have to fulfil the religious criteria for Trinity St Mary's to get in? (I note all applicants were offered a place last year - does this mean a number of kids are not C of E?) Although in our case one of our child's parents is Anglican we do not regularly attend a C of E church.

Thank you so so much for that.

Exactly what we were after, wow!

Hiya!

My LO started part time nursery in Feb this year and started full time nursery in Sept. we are very happy with her progress and wellbeing at Trinity St.Marys. The staff are lovely, very supportive and affectionate with the children. My daughter adores all her teachers. She comes home with paintings and new songs every day, I very rarely even get a goodbye in the mornings. My only issue is sometimes things can seem a little chaotic and last minute, but everything seems to pull together in the end which I guess is the main thing. There's a great sense of community with parents, staff and pupils, this is clear to see at school services, sports days and events. All staff get stuck in, it's lovely to see. There is always something going on at the school to keep the kids busy and intersted in learning. There is a good mix of children at TSM, you don't tend so see 'cliques' of parents, we all seem to mix together really well. As my husband is Muslim I was a bit hesitant to send our daughter to a COE school, but I can honestly say that now I don't regret it for a minute. In fact, we have already applied for our youngest to start in 2015! I recommed TSM 100%.

Medway, could not agree with you more!

On your second point, we specifically asked about this and were informed that they have programmes now to support those categories you mention and we were shown the resources/room set aside for them.

Personally I think the most important selection criteria has to be how well the children are taught. I would love my daughter to have a wonderful time at school, etc etc but most important is that she comes out literate, numerate and with a fighting chance of getting into a decent private secondary school. So - I will be checking out the Key stage 1 and 2 school performance stats as my primary selection criteria.

Also - how well do they handle the kids who are very bright? My experience with other kids and kids of friends is that if you are below average or significantly above average you are not well served by schools in which class sizes of 30 kids means teachers have to teach to the middle ground.