Latest views re Alderbrook? Post Reply

[Mumboo]

Hi there,

I would really appreciate some up-to-date views regarding Alderbrook school as it's our nearest state primary and my daughter is due to start reception next September.

I've heard good things about the quality of teaching, seen the new early years building (from the outside!) and have read the latest Ofsted report (and get a sense that it's really 'on the up'), but I'm particularly interested in whether parents of children there regard it as a reassuring, supportive and 'kind' place for such little ones starting school. My daughter will be very young (just four) when she goes and isn't particularly outgoing or confident!

Many thanks for any feedback/ views you can provide.

[SWblues]

I am a regular NVN user but I have just registered under a different name to protect my child's identity.
My child, also a summer baby, has just started at Alderbrook and we are really happy with the school. Really caring and safe environment and the teachers and facilities are great.

It saddens me that most posts about Alderbrook end up being a discussion about not getting into Other more popular schools, mainly HW and BV. It really is a great school, with a great mixed of people and really focused teachers, and for those living BTC like us, an easy 15min walk.

It would be great to see more discussions about the school itself and less bitterness about not getting into others. For instance, I have met many professional who could afford sending their kids to private schools who are very happy at Alderbrook and have no plans to move elsewhere. It sometimes seems it's a school that people go to on a temporary basis while they wait for something better to come up but this is simply not the case for many.


Go and have a look around and talk to the head teacher

[SWblues]

Btw I do understand why parents are bitter about not being able to get into the schools closest to them because it's just happened to us. I think the system is unfair and encourages families to act in a way that I consider morally wrong but until things change let's try and celebrate the success of other schools in the borough such as Alderbrook.

[Mumboo]

Thanks so much SWblues for your feedback.

We've now visited Alderbrook and have to say that it exceeded all our expectations.

Inspiring new Head, enthusiastic and dedicated teachers, spacious and newly-decorated building, large playground, bright and cheery classrooms, great facilities, small teaching groups for key subjects, rapidly improving academic results and calm and happy children!

I'd really encourage people to go and take a look around and meet the Head and teaching staff. I'm sure, like us, you'll be surprised and impressed.

The Head describes it as 'Balham's best kept secret' but give it some time for its star to keep rising and the word to spread, and no doubt parents will be clamouring for places here too!

[SWblues]

Mumboo, glad you liked what you saw during your visit to Alderbrook.
Happy to answer any further questions you might have about the school, although I am still a very new parent and still trying to find our way around homework, after school activities, etc

[sid_seal]

I held back on replying to this post when it first appeared as it was very early in the school year. Now I can speak having seen a bit more of the Alderbrook picture
I am a nursery mum at Alderbrook, and I only have good things to say. The staff is caring and friendly. They seem know the children very well, and they have impressive yet realistic plans for the curriculum. There seems to be a nice sense of community including children, parents and all school staff.
Also, if you say that your LO is not particularly outgoing, the arrangement with the separate EY Unit could be a big plus - and you have seen yourself that it is all brand new and bright.
Good luck!