Schools reception 2014 uurggh! Post Reply

[saffamum]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for suggestions for schools for my daughter whose reception enterance will be Sep 2014.

I live in Clapham South. We are in between Private or public schools so any recommendations will be gratefully received.

so far, I have registered with Broomwood Hall (first preference), and waiting for an interview date.
2. Oliver house - Had an interview and had a very "cold" reception which has made my husband and I re-think her registration there.
3. Hornsby - guess too late to apply

4. Our closest is Bonneville primry but ofstead report here is 3. What are your views here?

5. Alderbrook Priamry - looking at open morning next tuesday but not sure if we fall in the catchment of this area.

any other suggestions?

many thanks in advance

[mrsbfrombalham]

Hello,
Do go and see all the schools you are considering and make your mind up based on that. I remember going to see Bonneville and before the visit thought that there was no way I would send my daughter there in view of the ofsted report. As it happened I was very impressed - although we ended up not sending our daughter there for various reasons.
On the other hand, I really wanted to like Alderbrook and was very underwhelmed when I visited the school.
There is not right or wrong, it's about finding a school that is right for YOUR child and your family - and make a choice you are happy with.
Good luck

[abbeville2]

eaton house or parkgate house?

[metoo]

My son is at Bonneville and we chose it based on our visit rather than the Ofsted report. It seems that the latter is based on SATS results - my friend is a teacher elsewhere in Lambeth and she said that when Ofsted visit the main thing they harp on about is the results and she feels this has a direct influence on the accreditation given. My personal opinion is that Bonneville's results are skewed by the number of parents who leave before Year 6 exams - last year 3 children, who would have got Level 5 in the SATS, left Clapham because of the dearth of decent state secondaries -sadly this impacts the school's results which are not a true reflection of the teaching standards of the school. Okay, sermon over

[BalhamMumWorkingFT]

Never too late to apply anywhere! Situations change and you'd be surprised how much movement there is in the first year (reception) at the local schools.

[3kidsnow]

Hello,
I have a girl at Oliver house who has been there since nursery and my youngest daughter will be joining the nursery in Sept 2013.
Please don't be put off by the reception that you received although it must be hard not to.
Oliver House is the most wonderful nurturing school and very high standards.
They manage to get your children wanting and hungry to learn and with beautiful manners but they do it in such a kind way. The teachers are amazing and I cannot speak more highly of them.
Mrs Fields who is the headmistress is fairly reserved and quiet but please don't mistake her as cold. She works tirelessly for the school and knows each child by name and is genuinely interested in their welfare.
We honestly could not be happier and we intend to keep our children there until 11. Although they are opening secondary schools in 2013 as well.
Oliver House might not have all the facilities in the world but their teaching is second to none!

[sparkletiger]

my daughter started at bonneville (reception) this year. like others I was very impressed when I visited. I had read the ofsted but I liked it most out of all the schools - and I visited a lot. so far its going well and she loves it. it depends of course On what you're looking for. if you're set on an independent school then it won't be for you but if you're keen to find a good state school then I recommend it. it truly is diverse and the atmosphere is supportive and welcoming. it has excellent parent involvement too - through FAB. come to he xmas fair on sun 9 dec, this will help you get a feel for bonneville