Ivydale School

[newgirl]

I am just wondering what Ivydale School is like these days, and what direction it is going in. I've read the 2008 Ofsted report, which was so-so but said that the school had improved a lot over the previous 2 years. It seemed to think that it didn't cater very well for children who were at the academically more able end of the spectrum (of course, my child may not be 'more able', but you have to be hopeful as a parent, don't you!).

We are near Barry Road now, but are thinking of moving to the roads around Homestall/Mundania/Shelbury etc, or near to Ivydale Rd, which is why I'm wondering about Ivydale School. (Are Shelbury, Homestall etc near enough for kids living there to be offered a place?).

Our son won't be applying for a school for 3 years, but we don't intend to move again before then so want to make sure we are confident that the nearest school is good (though of course I understand that schools can improve or deteriorate a lot in 3 years).

Many thanks for any help you can offer.

[clux]

Hello

I don't have firsthand experience of Ivydale but when I meet people who had children there they all seem very happy with the school. There is a post on the Nunhead Forum about it at the moment and some of the people who have commented do have children at the school so they may be able to help you.

[The Nappy Lady]

Hi Newgirl,

You may want to take a look at this thread;

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,343465,343744#msg-343744

My daughter is now in Year 1 and we are very happy with the school, I would say it is consistently improving and performing at least on a par with Goodrich. I really love the 'vibe' of the school, not too big, very friendly, very creative and with enthusiastic staff. I can almost see my little girl 'growing mentally' day by day at the moment, sounds naff probably and I imagine it is probably fairly common at this age when suddenly they are reading with confidence, starting to understand maths etc. but it is also very reassuring to see her happy and thriving, with lots of friends etc.

I had a friend who was moving and looked at Shelbury Road, but having checked catchment zones it seems likely to be a bit of a school black hole, being too far away from both Goodrich and Ivydale, so I would be wary of this area - she phoned and spoke to the relevant schools, which you could do too if you want to double check.

Why not go and look around Ivydale? They are always very welcoming and it may help to reassure you.

Hope this helps.

Molly