What happens when a formally "Special Measures" school gets an "Outstanding" Ofstead report?

[pollmeister]

Today have been given a place in my last (afterthought) choice of primary. This school (Hillcross in Morden) is a bit far away for us (not walkable) but only last month it was given an "Outstanding" Ofsted wotsit (it had previously been "special measures" - whatever that means, but sounds ominous!) After sulking a bit I have decided to try and embrace this offer. So what happens when a shite school suddenly becomes "outstanding"?

[DrSeuss]

They learn the difference between formally and formerly?

[Emsoboe]

You celebrate! Sound like its a school that's worked incredibly hard to make amazing improvements. I'd be very happy! Looks like you get the last laugh.

[pollmeister]

DrSeuss: Me-ow! OK I am ashamed of my crap spelling mistake

[LatteLady]

It tells you that the school has moved heaven and earth to achieve this... and I would be running towards it as fast as my little legs could carry me.

Having been brought in to help move a school from SM as an Additional Governor and ending up as the chair at the end of the first meeting, I know exactly what this takes. It will mean that the school now has a very dedicated senior management who have got rid of the dead wood to ensure that each of the children at the school has the best chance possible to succeed. They will be monitoring efficiently and delivering the curriculum.

As long as you have been to the school and are happy about the way it felt, if the children appeared to be happy and motivated then I would say your child has been very lucky.

[RitaMorgan]

To go from special measures to outstanding is pretty amazing - sounds like you've been very lucky!

[thestringcheeseincident]

I'd be thrilled my child was going there.

[LifeInTheSlowLane]

If you have a look at the ofsted website you can see all the reports for the school. I don't know the school but just had a quick look at the reports it looks like there were some staffing issues and the school has managed to turn itself around, which should be good news for you and your DC

[cornoid]

what happens? The teachers all collapse with exhaustion and get hideously drunk.

[pollmeister]

Thanks all (well most of you) - some kind and encouraging words. Ive yet to visit the place though as just got offered it today. My biggest problem is that I will have to drive there and prob turn into one of those sweary shouting harridans you often see on the school run - hey ho.

[TG40]

Hi

The same thing happened to us! We did not get the school that we wanted (my son goes to Poplar Nursery). I was so upset, but he has got a place in Hillcross now. Did you go to the parent's evening last week? We also live far away and it is going to be a real pain to get there. I am not looking forward to the journey either but I decided that it is best for us to travel a bit further to go to the best school available. Maybe see you in September then? Good luck with every thing, hope it all works out for you.

[BoattostrikesupportingBolivia]

Echo the comments above. The staff will have moved heaven and earth to get that judgement, they will have had enormous amounts of training. If they are not all burned out, they will be the best you can get.