Changing schools?

[KS2L6]

I have posted recently about my DCs and our school. We are effectively a 'failing' school, which I have some involvement in the leadership of (as a parent). I have had, at the request of the school, to become my oldest DCs maths and english teacher - I set work, I mark the work, the work is done at school. This is because the school do not feel able to teach at the level required (level 6). I have QTS but secondary trained and not a maths specialist.

This is just one example of the failings of our school. At the moment teaching is not judged to be even satisfactory consistently. There are few after school clubs. Behaviour, however, is generally ok, but there is just this feeling of 'can't be bothered' which seems to run through the parent body and permeates sometimes to some of the school staff. I need to say at this point that we have some fantastic teachers and my DCs are lucky enough to have two of these teachers at present.

I have been passionate about this school as it is the school in my community which for me has always been really important, but it's always been viewed as the 'rubbish' school in the neighbourhood by parents from other schools many locals ferry their children elsewhere. Sometimes this view seems to influence other things with children from our school rarely being selected to represent the area in music or sports - nobody seems to think our kids are capable of much. I have been fighting this attitude for the past number of years, desperately trying to help move the school forward and improve its profile. We did have some success with a better OFSTED a few years ago, but we're now expecting to be damned again.

However, I think my batteries have now run out. We are facing a very challenging time as a school and I think this is going to start affecting staffing. So, to cut a very long story a little shorter, I'm thinking of moving my younger DC in September (older DC will be moving to secondary). I have a huge guilt feeling over this and am wondering if there is any more I can do. However, I cannot let the education of my younger DC suffer because of my ideals. If I do go it will have a big impact on other parents and I think others may follow suit.

Has anyone struggled with this themselves?
Thanks

[KS2L6]

Ok, so it was a bit of a rantish trail of conscience, but seriously, has anyone been through anything like this? Or were you all sensible enough to run well before it got to this point?

[iseenodust]

I'm not familiar with your other posts so wonder what is your opinion of the HT? Without strong leadership things are unlikely to improve significantly.

[cookiesnap]

I moved dd from an inner city school where she was mostly very happy. My main reasons were social (very limited friendship opportunities; big turnover of kids with most new kids having ESL, ongoing conflict with one particular child) and a dread of putting my younger one into the reception class because of the uninspiring teaching (and lack of warmth) and the likely issues with friends and turnover.

I felt terribly terribly sad to move my dd1, who was valued by the school. And very guilty because I knew it would affect other parents who had wavered and then stayed. But I am glad that we have moved because my dc have really great social opportunities now - they both seem really happy.

I would move in your situation because a) your child is not being taught!!! b) other parents who can move, will move c) you have run out of energy to improve things d) the morale of the teaching staff is low so things are unlikely to get better quickly.

[KS2L6]

Thank you for your responses. No, I think I am rapidly losing confidence in HT. Times will almost inevitably get harder and I know realistically that I have to prioritise my child. However, I know more than most parents and feel guilty that I may be taking action based on information that other parents don't have.

I don't intend to move before September as DCs have good teachers at present. Not sure what spaces will be left in September but am prepared to travel or HE until right place is available.

I just feel sooooooooooooo guilty!