Thoughts on Horniman School?

[mothercourage]

I've only just discovered it exists. Anyone care to share their(kids')views/experiences?

Ta.

[LoopyMum]

Excellent - small school but part of a lovely community amongst Horniman Drive residents and surrounding roads. Excellent staff and school ethos. Breakfast, Afterschool and Holiday care - have great day trips and end of term parties.....

Lots going on to create an inclusive environment - eldest daughter is at secondary school now and regularly

visits to say hello - misses the school very much.

Our 4 year old is starting in Jan too - if you need any other info feel free to PM me if you have particular

questions in mind. ;-)

[tor]

In my short experience, I think it's excellent. DS1 has only been there for a few weeks but he's settled in really well. The school is very welcoming and we feel as if we're really part of the community now. We use both the breakfast and after school clubs a couple of days a week and they seem very well run and friendly.

I think the catchment area is usually quite small but due to Fairlawn having a bulge class this year it meant there were more spaces freed up at the Horniman. We are about 1000 metres away so we were very lucky to get in.

[LT]

Excellent school, my daughter is there and absolutely loves it. I as a parent find the school great to deal with - friendly staff, always see the headteacher around and the communication is superb. The reception team are amazing, it was truly a great start to school for my daughter. Also, before your child starts reception, you and your child will be invited along to sessions one morning every week for approximately 6 weeks (if I remember correctly) - anyway, this means that your child will be familiar with the school prior to starting and you as a parent get a real feel for the school. Throughout the week, after school, there are a variety of clubs you can sign up to - my daughter attends dance club and art club. Another thing I really like about the school is that they use a specialist singing/music teacher and dance teacher - my daughter's class get one session with each every week. I thoroughly recommend the school!

[mothercourage]

Thanks - all sounds very positive. I'm going to see the school next week on the basis on what you've all written and really appreciate everyone's feedback.

[Growlybear]

My daughter went to Horniman Primary School, and we were extremely unhappy with the education provided, to the extent where we removed her and would have home schooled her if we hadn't been offered a place in another local school. Horniman did not provide sufficient challenge and differentiation for brighter children, and had very low expectations. We were also extremely concerned at the standard of discipline at the school.

[tor]

That's a shame growlybear that you had such a bad experience there...can I ask, was this recently?

[mothercourage]

And I'm wondering what - if anything - was done to address your concerns? I'm assuming whatever was done wasn't enough if you felt the need to take your daughter out of the school. PM me if you'd rather.