Alderbrook Primary Post Reply

[Bugaboobabe]

We have just been offered at Alderbrook Primary in Balham. Haven't heard great reports. Does anyone have any stories/views they would like to share?
Thanks
Undecided Mum

[Annabel (admin)]

Hi
Thank you for the post! We had quite a stir when a similar post asked about Ravenstone so I hope we get a simialr range of views. We'll also do some digging...

Cheers

A

[shardlow]

Would love to hear feedback on this school.

[audrey]

It seems like we're the closest to this school and was wondering if anybody has any views/opinions as to the quality of this school, as compared to say: Henry Cavendish or Ravenstone? Thanks!

[Goldhawk]

I don't know anyone with kids at Alderbrook but it's local rep is still poor compared to HC & RS

[moo_clark]

Alderbrook Primary's Ofsted report for the Early Years is 'good' (Dec 2009) compared to HC which is only 'satisfactory'. My son has just started Reception and seems to be very happy. There is a lovely atmosphere there. The new Headteacher is very good and speaking to other mums, with kids higher up in the school, she's made a lot of positive changes which is all good. I admit I was a little sceptical a year ago because of past Ofsted reports but now I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it. I hope this helps! Go to the Open Day.

[Talkman]

Alderbrook is a little gem of a primary school with a great team of staff led by a passionate head. My daughter started in reception in September and settled very swiftly. She loves the school and comes home each day enthusing about the classes and teachers.
Having visited a number of different schools within the area we put Alderbrook as our number one choice. A number of parents we know well (and some we're aquainted with) expressed some dismay that we'd even put it on the list let alone in first place; their reasoning? rumours, gossip and the Ofsted report prior to the latest one. An Ofsted report is not the be all and end all of a school's reputation, that said, the current Ofsted is much improved; a testament to the head and staff.
Alderbrook is a multi-cultural melting pot of diversity full of happy children who take a renewed pride in their school. This is not a "last resort" school. Ignore the negative remarks and be positive, go to the open day and see for yourselves.

[monaco]

Hi

would you be able to tell us when is the Open Day ? Thanks

[SuperSally]

My son has just completed his first term at Alderbrook and loves it. He is very happy and settled there as are we.

We went along to the 'Open Day' last year and were very impressed with Kate Baum's vision. This school has gone from strength to strength under her leadership and this vision is reflected and mirrored right down through the school. Happy teachers mean happy children who want to learn and achieve! Alderbrook has a strong nurture, care and belong ethos and this can only have positive results.

In the Ofsted 'Effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation' (2009), Alderbrook achieved (2) - Good, whilst Henry Cavendish achieved (3) - Satisfactory.

On Thursday 4th November you can go along to the Open Day at 9.30am for a tour followed by a talk by Kate Baum at 10.15am with tea and coffee. Sure you will agree that this school needs to have its old cobwebs dusted off and be given the recognition it now deserves!

[Talkman]

To clarify, the Open Day date for Alderbrook Primary is Thursday 4th November. Perhaps the best course of action would be to telephone the school office in case you need to advise them you wish to attend and check the schedule for the day. 020 86734913

[kirstyscarlett]

Alderbrook is a fabulous school and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. As previous responses, Alderbrook is definitely not a last resort school. My child has been at Alderbrook for 3 years - we recently moved and therefore had an option to change to Henry Cavendish. We considered it, not at all! Since Kate Baum has taken over as Headmistress, Alderbrook has become the primary school every parent could want their child to attend. A multi-cultural, small, community spirited and very friendly school that has an excellent team of passionate and dedicated teachers. The PTA is going from strength to strength and you can personally assist your childs time at this or indeed any school positively, by aiding and offering ideas to the PTA where you can.
Our child is extremely happy at Alderbrook and is progressing well in advance of her age group.
As others have suggested, come to the open day or arrange an individual appointment if you cant make this. Good luck.

[Goldhawk]

Glad to hear you are all happy

Any comments on the proposal to increase the intake to 60?

[audrey]

I'm glad to hear that Alderbrook has improved so much - and I will definitely keep it in mind when weighing our school choices. I won't be able to attend the Open Day (shame!), but will phone the school to enquire more. I'm interested in particular in what kind of homework they give to children, what reading materials they use, any extra-curricular activities, how strong parents are involved, etc. I saw on their website they also provide school meals, which is great, as I would be running out of ideas what to pack for lunch

[moo_clark]

Another Open Day has been arranged so if you missed the first one please go along. It's on Thursday 9th December and starts at 9.30am. There is an opportunity for you to ask the Head teacher questions then. You can also talk to some older pupils.

[MrsAmanda]

I'm so glad to hear of positive experiences. I live very close to Alderbrook and it's my nearest school. I'd heard some not so good things, so it's reassuring to know it's on the up.
Thanks for the heads up about the open day, too.