Experiences of Rutherford House Post Reply

[CAM Bike]

I have nothing but praise for the school so far. My child has settled far more quickly than my older children who went to both state and private schools. The staff are like family to the children, very kind, flexible, and the children respond brilliantly to them. I sense no cliques forming, there is a genuine excitement about being part of something new and the school has no history or reputation to create gossip or bring it down in any way. I am sad that someone is upset, and moving their child, but I think this is clearly a personal decision and must be respected. We had no choice, as we live in a 'gap' between any catchment areas so this was an amazing opportunity, when we heard about the school only in May. I love the open door policy, the flexible approach to learning, the huge range of clubs available (which are a bit like playdates, they are great spaces for friendships to form with children in the other class, and are very relaxed)
I really hope that this debate will just strengthen the school and we can continue to support our children in these early stages in their education by being as involved as we can, and welcoming in the new children each year as the school grows.

[sw17mamma]

I heard that Rutherford House was opened as a condition of letting the group open Wandsworth Prep.

As a business consortium running it, I can clearly see that it could be 'profits before pupils'.

Will funds from the private section of the business be diverted to run the free school or is it run purely on the funding from the governement?

I personally think that looking at how well Wandsworth prep performs is an indicator of its merit, and until there is an ofsted and a full school with value added score (much more of an indicator of success than SAT results) will we know that is a school that local parents want to rent near to to get in.

[Cupcakesw12]

Simply on a general discussion point, I get the funny feeling we are going to read more and more articles such as the one below over the next few months, especially now that another one is opening up in Earlsfield...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24653574

[Cronut]

Do you mean like this...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24677371

[Honeybee]

hjm, did you ever get a response back from Rutherford House on your query regarding class sizes/resources? I'd be really interested to hear their take on this. Equally if any parents with kids currently at Rutherford House have any info, I would be really grateful if you could share it. Thank you.

[hjm]

Hi, no I didnt' receive a reply. I am going to chase them, as I haven't even received an ackowledgement. I am away next week but will do it when I am back and post the outcome on here.

[DotingDad]

Hi there.
I asked Gina Nicholson, the School Head about this at drop-off last week - been meaning to post here for a few days.
The marketing spiel for the school last year stated that class sizes would be 28. This year's first intake was on that basis.
The new Head took the decision to bring the class sizes to 30 as of next year. That would be why that has been said in the meetings to prospective new parents.
They are going to keep this first year's class sizes at 28, because that was what was promised, but going forward it will be 30, just like all other State schools.

Make of it what you will. Personally I don't think calls sizes of 28 vs 30 makes much difference. Clearly there is a funding difference and that is why the decision was made. No sinister reason other than the Head Mistress taking a pragmatic decision.

Last year when we were trying to decide which schools to put in which order of preference we had a lot less information to base our decision on. At least prospective parents have a Head in place and some track record.

My suggestion to prospective parents is to attend the information meetings, ask Gina Nicholson about her rationale for that decision and add that to the mix of all the reasons you may or may not want to send your child there!

I still recommend it. and we certainly intend to send our boys there in 2 years time - the building might even be finished by then!

[Honeybee]

Thanks DotingDad, that's helpful. I don't care so much about 28 versus 30 in a class, but just the difference in what was said at the outset and what is being said now. But you have provided a good enough explanation!

[Medway]

Yes thanks DotingDad - that explanation makes sense...they have realised they simply cannot make the numbers work with only 28 per class. I agree with sw17mamma though, until the value adds are through in a few years we simply won't be able to tell. The news from Ravenstone is pertinent here - schools do seem to thrive on reputation in SW London rather than the reality of learning achievement. Fircroft for the past 5 years has had better academic results than Ravenstone but the word on the street is that Ravenstone is a better/ v good school...a better equipped playground at Rstone yes, but most kids leave Fircroft better educated.

To those of you who have taken a punt on RHS I say good luck - I think you have been brave and have taken a huge risk, one that I don't think I am prepared to take.

[Cronut]

Medway,

Thank you for starting this post and sharing your decision with us. It has really helped a lot of us learn so much over the last few weeks. Good luck!

[mrs_pavlova]

May I ask a question, forgive me if it's been covered already, but when will Rutherford House have to undergo an Ofsted inspection?

All the replies on this thread are so interesting, but the arguably objective assessment of Ofsted might complete the picture.

thanks - MrsP

[hjm]

I asked that question at the open evening and was told it would be sometime in 2014, but obviously after we have to put our applications in for 2014 entry. I have chased them for a response to my email now but nothing back so far.

[bossyboots99]

As a note on Ofsted Inspections. All new schools undergo a pre-inspection prior to opening in order to be granted a DFE number which allows the School to Open. This in- depth check looks at all policies, procedures and paperwork relating to regulations and also the curriculum schemes of work across the age range of the school rather than just the year of entry upon opening. Following this as part of the first year cycle, Ofsten return at some point towards the back end of the first year to complete a full inspection as they want to see theory put into practice and check on pupil progress. Ofsted only provide the school with half a days notice to prepare.

When the school says they will be inspected in 2014 they are correct, but tey have no way of knowing when that inspection will take place. In my own experience of children at a new school and being involved in inspections I would expect you will here more in June 2014 following the submission ofthr EYFSP results. Just a guess but to inspect before would be pointless in my opinion.

Hope that helps

[Cronut]

Alas will be too late for the Jan 2014 application deadline.

Let us hope all goes well to avoid another panic in the area (Ravenstone).

[mrs_pavlova]

Thanks Bossyboots very interesting. And agreed Cronut, let's hope they live up to the hype to give us a another decent option locally.