Swaffield School - advice please Post Reply

[SFMC]

Does anyone have children at this school or could tell me about this school. I have read the Ofsted and was a bit concerned that a few areas were rated only 'satisfactory'.
We are looking to buy a house in the area and are looking at the state primary school options.

Our son is only 8 months and realize a lot can change in a few years BUT state primaries are the only option for us.
I know Beatrix Potter has a great reputation but the priority area is so small. Honeywell and Belleville area the catchment seems to be shrinking (and the house prices seem high).

Also catchment areas are so small and we don't want to have to move again in a few years time.
Any advice or local knowledge is much appreciated.

[mgb]

A lot of nice families live in and are moving to that area. I've heard Swaffield scores are on the up but this won't be confirmed until the new report is published. Good luck.

[Mummyof2SW18]

Allfarthing has a excellent reputation and is close the Swaffield School so it is worth finding out if you will be in their catchment area .

[Widger]

As a teacher I can say that Ofsted reports are not really what you should be worrying about. To get satisfactory is actually really difficult under new criteria and it is usually linked to results. Results are not a true indication of how good teaching is too, believe me. You need to visit the school and go with the school that feels right.
You have years to go till you need to think about it.

[lesleyc]

I completely agree with the above post. I have 11 years teaching experience in London schools of varying kinds and get quite annoyed when parents judge places soley on OFSTED reports. It is the feeling of the school, the community and how it suits your child which really counts. I can see both sides as now as a parent I will be looking at potential schools for my daughter with 'different eyes' but can't stress enough how it must suit YOUR child. All children are different and certain places suit them and certain don't. You must go with an open mind and judge on what YOU see and how you think it will suit you. NOT on what some stranger in a suit has said based on online paperwork policies and a couple of hours in the building (which is exactly what OFSTED is these days). Take it from someone in the know that O reports are rarely reflective of the day to day school community.

[Almaceti]

I am also interested to hear any feedback about Swaffield School, as my son will start reception there next September. This wasn't our first choice (which was Earlsfield Primary School) but we only got a place here.
You're right to worry about catchment areas changing, as we bought here in August 2009 and at that time we would have had a place at Earlsfield Primary...
The area seems indeed to be improving, with new families moving in, a lot of home refurbishment... so hopefully my son will make nice friends and receive good teaching.
I appreciate the comments made that OFSTED reports are not the only thing to consider and that what is important is to choose the right school for your child. But what is really frustrating is that you don't have a choice! That are so many demands and so few places that I doubt you can ever choose between two state schools in London (or maybe you can between 2 very low-rated schools...).
Good luck!

[lanmum]

Hi
We live in the tonsleys and I put down Swaffield as our first choice even though other schools are nearer and according to ofsted better. We viewed all the local schools and Swaffield had a great headmistress, passionate and caring, brilliant facilities, especially in sports, drama and art (which other school has a pottery kiln?!) and an attitude of producing well-rounded, happy children reaching their potential. I can't wait for my daughter to go there in September! People should trust their instincts for a school and try not to let people's opinions sway what they feel is right.

[SJFphotography]

Please, please, please don't get bogged down by Ofsted reports. They are divisive and should only been used as a guide. Always visit the school before making a judgement about whether it's the right one for you. You can spend your children's years fretting about the right school or you can decide to reject all that hoopla and see whether your children are thriving or struggling. My oldest went through Swaffield from nursery through to Yr 6 and is in top sets in secondary school, extremely confident and everyone who meets him is impressed by his sense of confidence and knowledge of the world. That is down to his personality, a family who support him and love for who he is, and a terrific primary school. Swaffield isn't necessarily right for all families, but no school is. And no school is perfect. People I know who spend fortunes on education all moan about the schools their kids go too. A few years ago, someone told a friend of mine that he took his daughter out of Swaffield because it was a bit "edgy". I'm not sure what he meant, and I suspect this was a euphemism for something small-minded. Swaffield was not right for him clearly but then he wasn't right for Swaffield either since it is an inclusive inner city school that does not make distinctions based on class, gender, wealth, race, religion, language or any of the other things people worry about. We are extremely lucky in this borough with primary and secondary schools as we have such a lot of very good schools to choose from. Try not to get drawn into the craziness around school choices. Yes, we all want the best for our kids - thankfully we have plenty to choose from here and Swaffield is certainly more than good enough. And remember if your child for any reason does not seem to be thriving in any setting there ARE options, especially as your child gets older and people move out of London or switch to private in Yr 2.

[Catherine Adam]

Hi. I am a mum of a 5 year old with quite specific special needs and we absolutely love Swaffield! I adopted him so we have the luxiory of being priority 1 on school choices as he is still considered to be a "looked after child". This means that I could consider all the schools in the area and no matter what Ofsted said, I chose Swaffield. The head teacher (Mrs Lilly) is a wonderful lady who is wise and sensible but hugely caring. The teachers and support staff are so kind and understanding with my son and the parents have been such an understanding and supportive bunch no matter what we have been going through. I just got a feeling that Swaffield was going to be the right place for my son when I went there and I have been so pleased with it since through Nursery and Reception. A great choice.

[Airemiles]

My daughter is in reception at Swaffield. It was our 4th choice (due to distance rather than anything else) and we didn't know much about the school before joining. I can honestly say that it's a fantastic school. The teaching staff are excellent. There is an early years coordinator who doesn't have a class so there is lots of small group work on phonics, reading and writing. The class sizes this year have been 22, though I know it's going to 2 form entry from Sep. They have an active choir, lots of wonderful assemblies for parents to attend and a fabulous arts week. They use computers, do tennis for PE and have loads of after school clubs (Spanish, football, ballet etc). The staff make so much effort. It's such a welcoming and happy school with a great atmosphere and no politics that you often find in school playgrounds. I have been so impressed with how they have recognised my daughter's strengths and weaknesses and given her exactly what she needs (e.g she is a really good reader and they keep her supplied with reading books so we don't have to read the same one every day). Talented children are pushed to reach their potential even in reception in the same way that those that need a little bit of extra help are given it. If you live in Earlsfield there will be other Earlsfield children at the school and you will find each other. We did, and help each other out with drop offs and pick ups. The buses are frequent and interesting or if driving you can park easily and the back route is rarely busy. The distance is a pain but you get used to it! Hope that helps

[Cleod]

Thankyou for all your comments, I also started a thread around the same time asking about why Swaffield is under subscribed, I felt I was missing something. But since reading all these comments and the on the other thread, I feel reassured and excited about joining the swaffield community. Cleo x