We have just moved our children TO Alderbrook from a local independent school.
I have two children in the school; one in nursery and one in Year 1, I have to say it's been the best decision!

As mentioned above - I was given a full tour of the whole school when we visited so not sure why others experienced different. I was blown away by the size of the school and all the facilities - playgrounds, gymnasium, halls, music room, IT suite, swimming pool - so much more that what we were paying for before! Secondly there is a tangible focus on achievement for every child which I was really impressed with. There is lots going on and opportunities for children.

Nursery: is a newly refurbished, huge, bright airy classroom with everything a child could need. It has its own playground with brilliant facilities. The nursery also offers full time places (for a small extra charge). My child is having an absolute blast, making lots of friends and I can already see he is learning so much.

Year 1: Huge classrooms, teachers are engaged and focused on academic achievement. There's only 24 children in my child's class. There's lots of curriculum workshops and ways for parents to get involved including a very active PTA. My child is loving it so much and has a renewed enthusiasm for learning - choosing to do maths workbooks and reading over playing with toys this weekend!!

The school just launched a twitter feed and I'd recommend checking it out for a look behind the scenes @alderbrookSw12

Hope that helps - in short it's a great school and everyone I know with children there is SO happy with it!

I am a Y2 parent and we've been very happy with the school. The early years unit is great but I prefer the big school. The classrooms are big and light. The school roof terrace has just been transformed into a fab garden and art studio, partially funded by the PTA. I am very familiar with other local schools through friends and I think that Alderbrook is as good, if not better. I wouldn't even consider moving to another school, even though I have had the opportunity to do so.

Petal, you have mentioned a few times in this forum that you didn't get to see the whole school during your tour. That was very unfortunate but it is not the norm. I was shown around the whole school when we first applied. As a parent, I know help the school from time to time with open mornings and I know for a fact that prospective parents get to see the whole school.
All our local schools are great. Good luck making your decision!

My daughter has just started in reception and we have been extremely impressed with the school so far. The Early Years team are very engaging and the set-up is very organized and well structured. Prior to the start of the year they ran numeracy and phonics sessions and done further sessions since the start of term. The Head of Early Years - Ms Hatcher is very inspiring and this is reflected in the rest of the team.

I looked at the other schools in our area (Henry Cavendish, Bonneville, Telferscot) and I did feel that a lot of the facilities were better - the Early Years children get to go swimming once a week, the playground equipment is in good condition and the IT facilities are amazing. I know of a couple of families that since starting at Alderbrook have been offered places at Henry Cavendish and they have decided to stay put - not sure that would have been the case 3+ years ago!

It is certainly a school on the up - and this is very much the feeling that I get from all the other parents that we have met so far. The PTA is very active and the engagement in the lower part of the school seems to be driving this which is great.

I was nervous about the bulge class this year but the space is working well and I understand that they are not looking to increase numbers going forward. Will be interesting for the 2018 intake as there are a lot of siblings!

All in all a very positive experience so far!

Hello mums,

my little one just started the Reception there and both my husband and I are really happy. the recption is in the new buiding in front of the mail school.
the playground outside is really nice and also the classes.
there are 3 classes at the reception this year.
Mums are really friendly, they organize a lot of activities and patents are really involved in all of them.
I am really pleased with this school.
Best,

Francy

Hi BalhamMum

I don't have any experience to share but very interested to hear what others say. We live near to the school and I am a recent FTM. Incidentally, we take our son swimming there - I was also impressed with the playground!

Jane x

Dear Mums and Dads

Any thoughts on Alderbrook School? Went on the tour last week and was really impressed with what I saw. Loved the garden! And results seem good. Would be interested to hear what people thought.

Thanks!