peggoula

Ah thank you this really helps. Will probably go on the drop in on Thursday and take it from there. Much appreciated.

I know this has not been updated for a while. I have a 19 month old that only has a couple of words and just wondering if it's time to take him to one of these drop in sessions? How have you found them if you've used them? Thanks.

I actually have an email from someone in admissions saying not to bother asking about waiting list positions, as nothing will be updated till after the election. And I know this is actually not the case, I can PM you the details if you are interested. The point I was making is that there is conflicting as well as inaccurate information.

Thanks for th reply but this is not what I meant. I have several friends on waiting lists for both Heber and Goodrich that have been told different things about how the system works. One friend was told that no one will move till after the election, and another one was actually given a place (so it obviously moved) and another one moved up on the list. I was told the list was kept at the council but actually Goodrich knows who is on the list and who was offered a place. So this is all very confusing especially for people waiting.

Renata, the issue is not just the free school, the council keeps giving conflicting information and does not update lists as quickly as it should do. I do realise it is purda and you cannot do much about it, just the council people need to get their story straight as to where the waiting lists are held and when they will get updated. Thanks.

We had exactly the same (I emailed them to reject the offer on the 17th of April, offer of a place that wasn't even on our list!) and got a letter from the school on the 30th about the induction process. I think the council is in a muddle generally I have emailed them but still haven't heard back!

I went to a Heber tour 5 days before they got ofsted in (September 2013). And David Block said to all the parents they were confident they were going to get Outstanding on the next inspection. And we all know what happened to that... I am not saying Goodrich is the same but you never know...

This is all confusing and a little bit frustrating for me (that has an offer at Harris but nt Goodrich yet). Obviously Goodrich has a reputation, mostly good, and the same goes for its Head Teacher. How can a new school compete with that? The new school is a risk. My question is will enough people take this risk or will we all find ourselves in September with a school that won't actually open and nowhere to go?? I don't think I am made to homeschool!!

We are high on the waiting list for Goodrich but I have to say I had a similar feeling as I met both the Heads of Bessemer and Heber on the school tours. We have accepted our place at Harris and will take the risk of a new school as the fact that it is smaller (together with the H arris reputation) really appeals.

I had an email today from Jamie McFarland reassuring me the school will open and that there will be induction meetings and meetings about what is happening next. I think he may have the minutes of previous meetings so I think best deal would be to email him ([email protected]). See you at the next meeting!

Please count us in, us and our daughter would love to come.

Renata, is there any chance that the LA have calculated a distance wrong? I am pretty sure they have with us (I can PM you details so I don't bore everyone). Is this something I can call and ask the admissions people or do we need to formally appeal? The appeal process seems very complicated... Thanks in advance.

Thank you DenmotherSmith, this is very good to hear. I do think that it is an exciting opportunity, it is hit there is the fear of the unknown and the fear of it actually not happening. I have emailed James McFarland to ask for assurance and if he emails back I will post here, as I am sure other people are on the same boat as us.

Hello We didn't get anywhere on out choices either, but have been to all the Harris meetings and I was impressed by the professionalism of everyone involved, plus I feel that they will be well looked after as the school will want to do well on ofsted etc. My only issue is that if everyone gets offered a place eventually as waiting lists move, will the school actually open if it has, say, 30 instead of the intended 60 kids? This is something that really concerns me.

Yes you automatically go not the ones above the one you were given, or in our case, all 6!!!

Hello As a lot of people in this forum we didn't get any of the schools on the list for our daughter (luckily have the free school offer but nothing else!) Anyway I wanted to ask what is everyone's experience of waiting lists. She is 8th for Heber, 6th for Goodrich. Do you know other years where kids got in being so far down the list? We may end up opting for the free school in the end but still would like to know if she has any chance for the other two... Thanks in advance

We got none of our 6 either and again we have a place in Harris which we are going for. I am confused how distances are calculated, we seem to be a lot further on the waiting list than a house 4 doors down (on crystal palace road) and even a house on lordship lane. I wonder how maps work and if you can contest your waiting list position (we are 8th on Heber but I am not that hopeful.) Any info how this whole thing works is very much appreciated so please PM me. Thanks in advance, Peggy

Hello, I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this... We live on crystal palace road and last night around 11 there was a very very loud knock on out door, a few times, very loud and consistent and then sound of people running away. I know it is not something you can report but definitely made me feel quite shaken especially as I was home alone with the children. Anything we can do about it?

Hello, My daughter has been going to Cherry tree since she was 10 months and she is now 3 1/2. We have been very happy with it and mostly she has been very happy in there. Also she can already write a few bits and bobs and even read a bit which I think is great for a 3 year old. As there are not that many kids they can spend time with each and everyone of them which doesn't happen in other nurseries. Obviously the place is not Without problems (and the manager does come off as moody - but never to the kids!) but they have made a tremendous effort in the last year, which is shown on their ofsted. I will be happy to speak more about it, if anyone is still interested PM me. Ad no, I definitely am not related to the owners!!!

Hi I am a bit baffled by the experiences of people from Cherry Tree, as our experience is an excellent one, we have a very active, lovely 15 month old who excitedly leaps to their arms every time she goes to nursery and also has learnt loads from it. Please refrain from being so dismissive, it is not very constructive. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but don't "feel sorry" for us, we are perfectly fine.

Hi, My daughter just started on Cherry tree, so we're still on the "settling in" period, and as she is 9 months old and cannot really tell me herself, I would appreciate if you could let me know why you are saying you would not recommend... I have found the staff being quite professional, maybe not in a mumsy sort of way, but I still cannot help being wary as it doesn't get good reviews on the forum... Could you please be specific when you say you don't recommend...? Thanking you in advance.