Poppy3

Thanks everyone for your really helpful comments. I checked out the parent forum section on the school website and found this really interesting and insightful, thanks buggie. We have also been to look at the school - twice in fact! Once last year before the expansion, when it was very crowded (one class was being taught in a passage way!) and once just recently when it was much better. We'll also go along to one of the open days coming up. Such a difficult decision to make, especially when kids are so young! My son is quite a sensitive soul so for me the most important thing is that the learning environment is really nurturing and supportive of his confidence and interest in learning. This is also why the close-knit community aspect is important and why I was a bit concerned about the significant increase in size. Thanks again. Any other views very welcome.

Hi. We are currently looking into primary schools for our son starting reception next year, and based on where we live, it looks like realistically we'll only be in catchment for Ivydale School. The general feeling I get from the few parents I know at the school is positive, but we have a few concerns, mostly relating to the 'Needs Improvement' Ofsted and test results, but also whether the school will be able to keep its close-knit community feel with its expansion this year. We'd be really grateful for any insights from parents or others who know the school well. What is good / not so good about the school? Does it need improvement or is it improving? Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer. Thanks!