north london - advice on Norfolk house school please!

[user1484089378]

Hello! I am hoping to get a place for my son at Norfolk house school in muswell hill, moving him from a local state school once he finishes reception at the end of this year. I have done some research on the school and it seems cosy and nice (I like small class sizes) but a lot of the information online is dated - pre current headmaster, etc. Long shot but does anyone know much about the school? Any views and experiences would be much appreciated. I want to make the right choice! Thanks a lot

[LarkDescending]

I know one family there (2 children). They are delighted with it. Both of their very able DC are flourishing academically, socially happy, and generally having a wonderful start to their education. I have met some other NH parents at their parties etc and they seem a nice crowd.

[Nicechildrendreadufulteachers]

The new management are apparently less bullying than the previous however, not that that is saying much.

[musmum]

That’s odd because many of us feel core values are a waste of time especially as they are not embodied by leadership in their dealings with children and parents. As for sport many children have complained that they are not enjoying their lessons as much as previous years.

[Pleasant6]

I see my previous comments have been deleted. You are now only allowed to say positive things about the school and the management. Quite funny really and totally in keeping with the place’s ethos. Come on, you can’t delete that, surely 😚

[FanDabbyFloozy]

Why were the posts removed? I don't know what @musmum said but surely we are allowed to talk about a school as long as it's not libelous?
PS I know nothing much about this school but am curious!

[Justme103]

I’m curious too?

[Pleasant6]

I was expressing an opinion. It happens to be fairly negative. Not allowed at NHS!

[Justme103]

i am looking to put my daughter's name down, so would appreciate some information. Thanks.

[musmum]

If you want objective advice, this is probably not the right forum. I was
somewhat surprised to discover that all my posts have been deleted merely for expressing an opinion. I agree with Pleasant6 about the Norfolk House ethos. Definitely, worth considering other schools.

[Ab0808]

I don't normally write on mumsnet but I feel a sense of responsibility as I had started this thread back in 2017. As an update - we decided to take the plunge and move our child from a perfectly lovely state school in our area, to Norfolk house at year 1. We were looking for smaller class sizes and a school where my child would feel supported and nurtured without the weight of a selection process at entry. Two terms on, we are very happy with the decision we made. I don't want this to be seen as a criticism or a validation of other comments in this or other threads, it is simply based on our own experience as newbies at the school.

No doubt we had our tough moments. From the beginning my child struggled at NH - the pace of NH was much faster compared to where he was at previously; he was behind academically and was missing his old friends (many of his new classmates had known each other since nursery). But after two terms, he is a very happy boy, who likes going to school, he is no longer behind and reads like a dream. And I am a happy and relieved mum! its displicine can sometimes come across as tough - every day the kids move their names up and down a colour chart depending on their behaviour during the day (my child takes the colours VERY seriously) and their name on gold for example earns them points for their 'house'. They re reminded at the school gate that they need to greet with eye contact and confidence from the word go. At the beginning I thought it was all a bit too much for a 5 year old but I have actually noticed a big difference in how my child relates to others, is more confident and understands that positive and negative behaviours have consequences. Talking to the teachers about how my child is at home as well as at school have helped me to reinforce messages, and he is indeed blossoming into a chirpy, more confident little boy. The schools puts a lot of importance on the teachers-parents relationship.

NH is a small, ambitious school that is doing the best it can with small premises. every Friday the kids go ice skating. In two terms my clumsy child has gone from wobbling (badly) on the ice to jumping on it, and loves it. On the first term, every Tuesday it was swimming and on the second term it was Multi-sports.

All I can say is that for us it has worked very well, it's a lovely school and I would recommend it highly.

[Justme103]

Many thanks for the updates.

[Elstelle]

We have experience of NH and other private schools in N london. There is no point giving experiences that aren't positive because they will simply be deleted.....beware the school that feels the need to drag its legal team out when parents ask for opinions!

[HebeMumsnet]

Afternoon, everyone. We just wanted to pop by to make clear that we're very happy to hear people's comments - both positive and negative - on schools. It's helpful for parents looking around at their options.

However, we do ask people to post within talk guidelines and not to make claims that can't be substantiated or are personal remarks about specific members of staff. We do think that's not really fair and we will delete comments like that. But there's no ban at all on sharing your opinions on this (or any) school that might be of use to other parents.

[1359zxfz]

I am shocked at the negativity on this thread. Surely it would make sense that if you are unhappy with a school you would find one that suits you better.
I myself have two children at NH and believe the school to be supportive and open to conversation. The core values are outstanding and my children are thriving. The new sports programme has meant that my child has really improved their skills. For anyone reading these forums I would say visit the school, meet the children and make your own mind up, every school is different and you need to work out what suits your family.

[musmum]

Yes, further to Estelles post- Beware the school that finds it necessary for their leadership team to submit posts that gush about the school.

[Pleasant6]

Well-said, musmum 😉