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My placement school is a shit tip

78 replies

AuroraFloyd · 27/06/2017 07:53

I'm starting teacher training in September and I've been visiting my placement school to get to know people, learn the routines etc.

Unfortunately, the state of the school is horrific. It is badly in need of a lick of paint, the corridors near the pupil toilets stink of piss, the carpets are covered in old chewing gum, threadbare and literally have holes in them. There are holes in doors (presumably where they have been kicked), basic maintenance like missing door handles needs doing, the windows and sills are filthy, the staff toilets are in disrepair (with one being used as a store cupboard for broken furniture). None of the tables/desks and chairs match and are clearly ancient and shabby.

I'm genuinely shocked and appalled at the state of the school. It is currently "good" but has been "needs improvement" for many years. I would love to ask if they actually have a caretaker or any cleaners but obviously I wouldn't!

Furthermore, I'm uneasy about the lax procedures I've witnessed. As a visitor to the school I would have expected a quick fire safety briefing, maybe a quick tour of the school to help me get my bearings - here's the staffroom/canteen/toilets etc but there was nothing. No one has checked my ID or DBS certificate and after 1 visit I'm now told to make my way down to the department I'm visiting on my own. At break and lunch I'm left to wander the corridors alone to find the staffroom and toilets.

This is all in stark contrast to other schools I've visited and my own high school. I'm not happy with what I've seen but I don't think there is anything I can do.

OP posts:
ArtemisiaGentilleschi · 27/06/2017 08:00

I think you might be in for a few surprises in your proposed career.

PotteringAlong · 27/06/2017 07:59

Ps, don't refer to your placement school as a "shit tip"

PotteringAlong · 27/06/2017 07:58

If you're there because you're starting a placement in September and it's organised enough for you to be doing prelim visits, your dsb will have been sent through from the uni / organisation (e.g. Teach first) you're under so you will have been checked.

You might be surprised about Caretakers- ours have been cut from 2 full time to 1 2 hours a day in the last 5 years.

There is no money to replace desks. Ancient and shabby is fine.