opinions/experiences please - st johns and st clements CofE primary

[sunbob]

It would be great to hear views on this school please. I like the idea of St Johns for our dc and have heard from some really happy parents with children there, but I have noticed that they have a 'Satisfactory' ofsted where almost all other ed schools have 'Good'.

[minder]

They seem to have a good PTA and that's a good thing - I've been to their bootsales which are great.

After your post I've just read their latest Ofsted report from earlier this year (which I assume you've read) and can understand why you have reservations in sending your dc there but hope you get some replies from parents with children at the school too.

[sunbob]

Thanks minder.

Any other thoughts?

[EmilyE]

I have two children there and am very happy with it.

I think that most parents (that I spoke to at least) were surprised by the satisfactory rating. Whilst I am not saying there is no room for improvement, I wonder if in part the Ofsted criticized things that the parents don't mind. For example, they wanted more adult intervention in play in reception which in fact, I don't really want.

The school has also made/are making changes to the curriculum and how things are run.

Why don't you make an appointment to look around and to meet the head and ask her about the Ofsted? I think you would be reassured, and it's always good to have a look round if you are considering it.

If you have any other questions do ask/pm me.

[emsiemcb]

I have two children at St Johns (year 2 and reception) and I really like the school. It has a lovely warm feel to it and my eldest has been very happy there from day one (my other son only started yesterday so a bit early to tell!). The PTA are very active and I think this adds to the community feel of the school.

A lot of parents were very surprised at the satisfactory rating but I think it has given the management team a good focus on certain issues which perhaps had slipped under the radar - they certainly seem to be taking some positive actions to address the issues. I agree with Emily that many of the issues (although not all) I didn't particularly see as major ones. So all in all I would definitely recommend it but probably the best way, as with any school is to go and have a look around and get a feel for it. Good luck whatever you decide!

[esme]

I would go off your gut feeling rather than just Oftsed reports, I have friends clammering to get in there and myself did a work exp placement (was considering teaching as change of career) and it was lovely - nice staff, friendly yet could keep control, good structure but not too formal, and nice kids and atmosphere. Lots of music, activities, creative work as well as formal learning.

[Mrs TP]

Have been very happy with this school.

My eldest left in July to go on to secondary school this Sept. She was fully prepared for this transition emotionally and academically by the school. I have another in year 3 who has sailed through so far without any probs and a fantastic run of excellent teachers.

Like any school it has its minor problems but anything has been dealt with swiftly and effectively. Most of the kids come from homes where basic manners and positive attitudes to learning are part of normally daily life and this is reflected in the school.

Overall it has a nurturing caring attitude. There are a variety of after school clubs (for which they ask a voluntary contribution of ?1 per session). They also bring in external music tutors and offer lessons in guitar, violin, piano and probably others I am not up to speed with - these are slightly more expensive but no pressure to take them up if you don't want to.

They have a strong core of experienced teachers and lots of TAs - never seems understaffed. The head and / or deputy head are usually in the playground at morning drop off and evening collection and are very open to being approached re any matters.

The children mix well throughout the years and have friends in their own year groups and other year groups and always look out for each other.

I was surprised by the ofstead grading but the school have responded well and are changing things this year with a different approach to homework and a few minor tweaks that probably reflect current fashions in approaches to education. My best guess is it was perhaps a bit too traditional old school for ofstead.

Very happy and would choose again for older two and plan to send number 3.

[sunbob]

Thank you very much every one. It's lovely to hear so many positive and descriptive accounts. Looking forward to our visit later this term.

[busymum]

we love it. such lovely teachers, great ptfa, lovely kids and parents, so happy we got our 1st choice.