bessemer primary school

[sabibi]

Hello everyone,

Am new to this!

Thought I wanted to get feedback from any of you who are either currently looking at choosing a primary school for 2010 or made the choice recently and know your views on it.

Right now, I am considering a serious leap of faith into Bessemer Grange School as I like the fact the classes are smaller (for now), they will have a brand new building for reception over another school, Lyndhurst with a better ofsted and closer to me but which might suffer from its popularity in the future: am I mad to even think about it?

is going to a school in your neighbourhood better?

Thanks for your replies!

[Wiz]

Hi

We live in East Dulwich and didn't get any of our schools choices for our daughter who started reception this September. Instead we were "given" Bessemer Grange. Initially we were quite worried about this as we didn't know anything about it. However we visited the school a few times before the term started and came away pretty happy - the head of early years is excellent. We are now extremely happy with the school. There are currently 2 reception classes with 9 children in each class (but there will be a second intake in January). Both classes have a teacher and a classroom assitant. The school is very pro-active and the communication to parents is good. Our daughter is learning very quickly and most importantly absolutely loves it.

No, I don't think you are made to even think about it. Send me a PM if you want any further info.

[cloudnine]

Hi there

Am really curious why you think Lyndhurst might suffer due to "its popularity in the future". How / why do you think it might go down hill? Intrigued - not to be critical of your thoughts - but purely because we too are applying, live locally and Lyndhurst is a likely bet (re: distance). Have not thought about Bessemer - and now you have me scratching my head....

x

[bonaome]

Ofstead reports aren't everything. Some schools do better out of them than others. Better to go and see both schoos and then edcide what order you want to put them in on your list.

[tallgirl]

The Head was at the public scrutiny meeting in ED a few weeks ago, I was very impressed with her. I think one of the problems has faced is that it's a bit more awkward to get to than other primary schools in the area.

[sabibi]

Hello cloudnine,

Well I am sure Lyndhurst is good and lots of friends are telling me so. However, I am a bit concerned with the big classes, the fact that at lunchtime all years are mixed up together and the fact that they are planning lots of building work for the upcoming 6 years. I also think, although I am in no way an educational expert, that maybe all the schools which are very popular and have to extend their classes can only do so for a certain time without the existing children in it suffering a bit. Don't think it will really go downhill though.

Again, many acquaintances have made the choice of Lyndhurst recently and are really happy with it. So don't change your mind because of me!

[sabibi]

Hello tallgirl,

Thanks for this. Do you know how I can find this thread it would make interesting reading!

Sabibi

[Sqiggles]

If you are interested in Bessemer Grange school, do go and have a look at it. It might seem a bit out of the way, but it is easy to walk to it from near Sainsbury's (there is a footpath through) and from Townley Road/East Dulwich Grove (down Green Dale and there is a footpath through). It is in a lovely quiet location, and the new Children's Centre is going to be fab - and should be finished for the next academic year. It really is an improving school, with a great head and some really inspirational teachers.

Unlike some schools, they don't have a formal open day, but instead you just phone and make an appointment to be shown around. At the moment they are trying to show most people round on a Friday, but if that does not suit then I am sure you could arrange another time.

Do PM me if you want to know more.

[Sqiggles]

Sorry, it would have been helpful if I had added the school's telephone number. It is 020 7274 2520.

[tallgirl]

Re: Primary school places 2010

look at this thread

sabibi

[minder]

Shame about the new Children's Centre at Bessemer. It looks like a bomb site at the moment!

I went to see the plans/models at the beginning of 2007 and building work was meant to start then but as usual I suppose Southwark lost its way with funding like it does with other areas.

I can't see it being finished for next September.

Hopefully the staff/kids can work around it.

[Cora]

My understanding is that they will be handing over the keys in June ready for use in September....as far as I know it is all on course...they put up the basic structure last week, now that the foundations have been finished....very exciting!

[The Nappy Lady]

If it ends up being as fab as the new Ivydale Children's Centre it will be wonderful...have to say ours took a lot longer than it was supposed to...even after it was finished it seemed to be another couple of months at least...more I think before we finally got in. But well worth the wait!

Molly

[Sqiggles]

As far as I know the children's centre is on schedule at the moment. I expect this is the worst bit - foundations and the like.