Jump to content

Recommended Posts

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'.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Per Cllr McAsh, as quoted above: “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution. " Is anyone au fait with the Clean Air Act 1993, and  particularly with the state of 'Smoke Control' law and practice generally?  I've just been looking  through some of it for the first time and, afaics, the civil penalties mentioned  were introduced into the Clean Air Act, at Schedule 1A, in May 2022.  So it seems that, in this particular,  it's a matter of the enforcement policy trailing well behind the legislation.  I'm not criticising that at all, but am curious.  
    • Here's the part of march46's linked-to Southwark News article pertaining to Southwark Council. "Southwark Council were also contacted for a response. "Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste said: “One of Southwark’s key priorities is to create a healthy environment for our residents. “To achieve this we closely monitor legislation and measures that influence air pollution – our entire borough apart from inland waterways is designated as a Smoke Control Area, and we also offer substantial provision for electric vehicles to promote alternative fuel travel options and our Streets for People strategy. “We as a council support the work of Mums for Lungs and recognise the health and environmental impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, particularly from wood-burning appliances. “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution.  “This work is being undertaken in collaboration with other London boroughs as part of the pan-London Wood Burning Project, which aims to harmonise enforcement approaches and share best practice across the capital.” ETA: And here's a post I made a few years ago, with tangential relevance.  https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/278140-early-morning-drone-flying/?do=findComment&comment=1493274  
    • The solicitor is also the Executor. Big mistake, but my Aunt was very old, and this was the Covid years and shortly after so impossible to intervene and get a couple of close relatives to do this.  She had no children so this is the nephews and nieces. He is a single practitioner, and most at his age would have long since retired - there is a question over his competence Two letters have already gone essentially complaining - batted off and 'amusingly' one put the blame on us. There are five on our side, all speaking to each other, and ideally would work as a single point of contact.  But he has said that this is not allowed - we've all given approval to act on each others behalf. There are five on her late husband's side, who have not engaged with us despite the suggestion to work as a team, There is one other, who get's the lion's share, the typicical 'friend', but we are long since challenging the will. I would like to put another complaint together that he has not used modern collective communication (I expect that he is incapable) which had seriously delayed the execution of the will.   I know many in their 80s very adept with smart phones so that is not an ageist comment. The house has deteriorated very badly, with cold, damp and a serious leak.  PM me if you want to see the dreadful condition that it is now in. I would also question why if the five of us are happy to work together why all of us need to confirm in writing.             The house was lived in until Feb 23, and has been allowed to get like this.
    • Isn’t a five yearly electricity safety certificate one of the things the landlord must give for a legal tenancy?
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...