Melcombe Primary School in Hammersmith - any information or opinions please

[busyhappydays]

We have just moved to Hammersmith around the corner from Melcombe Primary School. Melcombe received an OFSTED outstanding last year under the new system but we just cannot find any info on it. No parents’ opinions or reviews on the internet. Does anyone here have kids there who can tell me what it is like? Is it academic? Is it diverse? Is it good for both boys and girls?

My DD will start school in September 2015 so we have to start thinking about where to send her soon. Feeling very nervous about the whole process as decent H&F schools are so oversubscribed. Just want to get the right information so we can make the right choice for her. Our DS is also one now so he will be following in his sister’s footsteps so want to get them both into a good school where they can thrive. Grateful for advice/info.

[HappydaysArehere]

Can you not ring them up and ask if they have open days or is there a chance for you to look around the school? Explain your predicament about your new arrival in the area. Primary schools appreciate interest. If that fails you could hang around school gate and speak to parents in a casual way. However, be aware that individual parents may well have diverse opinions. Try to get into school and then put your daughters name down.

[busyhappydays]

Thanks for the advice. I am considering stalking the parents at the school gate but wanted to see if there was any other intro out there. We'll be heading out to the open day in due course but to be honest the only person who mentioned something about the school was a neighbour who sent his kids somewhere else as he thought it was not very good. My kids go to the Melcombe children's centre who (probably expectedly) were very positive. I guess we were just trying to find some more sources of info. Even the good school guide have not reviewed the school.

[HappydaysArehere]

Can you have a peek at their playtime, especially the little ones at play. Do they look happy and does the supervision seem involved. You know, pleasant looking interaction with the children.
I would want to have a look at the classroom walls in the reception classroom. What's there? Is it lively? Does it show lots of children's work. What are the play areas like? Are they interesting and inviting and being well used. Is there a good atmosphere? I would be inclined to ring the school and ask if it is possible to have a quick look around. I am sure they will be agreeable. If they refuse, which is most unlikely, you have lost nothing. Perhaps you shouldn't waste much time in case there are issues with how many children are on the waiting list. Best of. Luck.
Ps. At the beginning of term and a new year it will take a little while for stuff to be put up on walls as the children are settling in. However, you should get a feeling about the place.

[HappydaysArehere]

Ps again. Do you have any other options nearby? Something to consider. If you have you could ring them as well. Just keep smiling as you are shown around and you will get a warm reception!

[HappydaysArehere]

Ps again. You could enquire about how they teach reading and which schemes they utilise. Is it a straight forward approach which you can support? You know, not a new type of alphabet which isn't reflected in your everyday surroundings. I not saying that approach is wrong but it would be a fact I would take into consideration.

[HappydaysArehere]

I should have said reinforced in your everyday surroundings and the books you share with your children.

[busyhappydays]

HDAH - thanks for all the advice. Lots of useful things for us to look out for and ask when we visit. Strange I've seen friends go through this but never thought I would feel so nervous about which school to send my DD to. We are still having the private vs. state school debate as well and what that would mean we have to give up to pay for the children's education (including me going back to work full time, cutting down on kids extra curricular activities like swimming and singing classes and one holiday every other year) so I am really hopeful that Melcombe provides us with a good state alternative, so we can give the children a more rounded education both within the school environment and outside.

[FulhamParent]

We have children at Melcombe and it is an excellent school.
There is a lot of information on their website: //www.melcombeprimary.com

[Out2pasture]

ZOMBIE thread :(

[contessa101163]

we live next door to Melcombe but I have not put it down on my application form - the play ground looks run down as well as the windows etc....it was outstanding in 2012 but no Ofsted for it since. I think there are other schools nearby that have much better facilities like Queen's Manor (landscaping project underway for amazing new play and nature areas) also Larmenier, Brook Green is outstanding with a big outside space and St Augustines is Good as well as Thomas Academy (gets teachers from the independent Thomas's) All Saints is also very good apparently. I am looking around Holy Cross tomorrow as hear that very good too.....

[FulhamParent]

You should have gone in to see Melcombe’s Nursery. The teacher there is one of the best in the borough and their Nursery is considered to be a good example to others. They also have a great playground which you can’t see unless you’re in the school.