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Original poster

DD's only option is 'inadequate' school. Please help.

145 replies

Lemonsqueezeit · 01/12/2022 17:34

Moved to a new area, and all the good/outstanding schools can't take dd. (oversubscribed). My last (and only) choice of school have offered her a place. Last ofsted report deemed the school 'inadequate'. I read the report and my eyes stung. The most awful, dreadful reviews. Bullying is said to be rife, in fact they received inadequate across the board for everything. This was in 2019.The school has since been moved to an academy. I cannot get any report on this school because they haven't been inspected yet.

Please tell me moving to an academy will help the school to improve? I genuinely feel sick.

OP posts:
Postapocalypticcowgirl · 02/12/2022 07:27

Lemonsqueezeit · 01/12/2022 21:27

Thank you for everyone's input. I've been in tears this evening and feel I have let dd down. She's a hard worker and has the potential to do really well, but does get easily distracted and has the tenancy to be lazy if not actively encouraged.

Some things I have noted thus far :

  • There is no sixth form. Not a massive issue personally, but not sure if this is a red flag?
  • GCSE results were poor, but said to be improving
  • There are actively recruiting for a few subject teachers (quite a few mentions of cover staff in place).
  • High number of SEN(D) children
  • High number of children receiving pupil premium.
  • They have recently introduced a new reward system in classes to celebrate positive contributions and behaviour in class.
  • They seem to be addressing lots of issues with positive statements on Facebook - including behaviour, attendance and teamwork.
  • The academics seems quite low (please don't flame me for this) but a teacher showed a picture on FB of a child's art work along with an English piece next to it. (Was a homework piece). Teacher said she was very impressed with it. To me, it was just very average.Of course that one child could have done really well, so not dissing their efforts in any way. DD writes for fun and has a very high standard of English and art. I just want her to be encouraged and really motivated to a high standard. This was repeatedly mentioned in the 2019 Ofsted report. The school was said to be severely lacking in setting high expectations, and are too accepting of poor quality of pupils' work.
  • Communication and transparency seems weak between parents and staff.

Of course, we will go and visit and have a look around. It's difficult because the report was really quite shocking. I wouldn't be fussed if it was just the one inadequate, but it was in all areas. Then there were issues in particular with behaviour. Lots of exclusions mentioned, and quite a low attendance rate overall.

I have found another school in my efforts this evening. I don't know much about it. It joined an academy as well. I have asked the council to see if they have a place available there too. I think the more options we have the better.

I don't think I will win an appeal will I? The response I received today went something like this :

"Unfortunately, it has not been possible to offer a place at your preferred school(s). The number of applications for admission to the school(s) exceeded the admission number(s) and to have offered a place to your child would be prejudicial to efficient education and the efficient use of resources".

Has anyone won ground for an appeal? And what were your reasons? x

In terms of not having a sixth form, that really depends on the local context. In some areas with large sixth form colleges you'll find a lot of smaller schools can't justify a sixth form financially, so that doesn't bother me.

GCSE results it depends how bad. What is progress 8 like? What are results like for different bands of attainers?

High levels of pupil premium is not an issue to me, and can be a good thing as it attracts extra funding for the school.

High levels of SEN - depends on the context. If students with SEN are well supported, the school can easily recruit TAs, there is a good SENco in place, that's good. But high levels of SEN and poor support is not so good.

Needing to actively recruit staff at this point in the school year is a red flag. It means they either couldn't recruit in the summer or lots of staff left this term. Neither is a good sign. This, for me, is the biggest concern about everything you have written. Are you happy for her to be taught eg maths, science, mfl by a series of non specialist supply teachers? Not just for this school year but potentially until she leaves?

What does the most recent Ofsted monitoring report say? There will be something more recent than 2019. Not a full report but similar to a letter. Reading between the lines you will be able to tell if the school is improving or not.

I'm pretty sure that phrasing is standard in terms of appeal. People on here will tell you to give the school a chance but honestly a school with insecure staffing won't give your child the best chance, and if it were me I wouldn't just sigh and suck it up.

If your daughter is good at art then look at the other schools, do they offer subjects like graphics or photography at GCSE? Does one have excellent facilities or better extra curricular opportunities? That can all be grounds for appeal. There are lots of reasons to appeal, if you start a new thread if secondary education you'll get some good advice.

Cherryana · 02/12/2022 07:32

I work in a school that sounds the same as you describe and what I will say is you need to visit. I have never worked with such a brilliant and motivated and talented staff team as I do now.

Also, we stream - and the A classes I teach are by far the most creative and supportive in any school. B - E classes are a bit more challenging but if you are in an A class in my RI school - you get a fabulous education despite any reports.

geraniumsandsunshine · 02/12/2022 08:39

Would something like interhigh work? Could you apply for a good or average school that's out of catchment even if it's further to travel?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General education
AntlerRose · 02/12/2022 09:06

Its very difficult as there are lots of variables there.
So with gcse results, it wouldnt bother me that they were on average lower, if there was still some pupils getting good grades. The high sen really can impact on statistics.
The academy thing can lead to improvement. Look at that particular academy chain carefully on thier website.
You could try asking to speak to the hheadon your visit and asking how far along are they on their improvement journey and even what they were doing to address the bullying /behaviour in particular

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 13:46

Thanks for the continued input. Just received another letter from the council. The school that I found last night is overscribed too! The lady from the council has said she she has put my name down on the waiting list for all three. I feel I have no options now at this point, other than try to appeal or continue with home schooling. She's desperate to be in school though and I need to work as I'm a single parent.

I am going to try and find a more recent report of this school. I don't think I can just go on the horrors of the 2019 Ofsted report. I am not happy one bit about her not being taught my a ton of cover staff. Although she is only Year 7. I remember going to a crap high school myself though. For two years I was taught by a supply teacher and failed my maths because I wasn't actually taught. Such a massive failing, so I feel very passionate about it. I want better for DD.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 13:55

They currently need a teacher of maths, science, art, English (maternity) and P.E. (maternity). They are also recruiting for an SEN assistant and general T.A.

Red flag? I will be scheduling a visit next week.

OP posts:
Postapocalypticcowgirl · 02/12/2022 17:23

Search the school here : www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables

You've now got nothing to lose by appealing for the two schools you really want.

I may be wrong but I believe having no school place at all may strengthen your case? As the detriment to your DD of having no school place is obviously high.

thing47 · 02/12/2022 18:29

@Lemonsqueezeit the first thing I would be looking at is whether the HT and/or SLT changed as a result of the 2019 Ofsted report. Never underestimate the impact of a really strong SLT, and it can be pretty immediate.

DD2 went to a not very good Secondary Modern (not even a Comprehensive) which would have received a similar Ofsted a year or two earlier, but a new HT turned it around very quickly. Some years on, the HT is still there, has a great SLT in place and the school is now over-subscribed. Some Grammar School pupils in the area get private tuition from some of the Secondary Modern teachers…

The lack of a Sixth Form is neither her nor there. In some parts of the country the schools all run from 11-16 and don't have Sixth Forms. It just depends how the county has historically chosen to structure its school system.

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 21:11

I may as well appeal, but don't feeling very hopeful. I don't even know what my reasons would be to appeal, other than unhappy with the perceived lack of academic progress and concerns of bullying and student welfare.

Would you be happy with these statistics?

Only 19% of GCSE students received a grade 5 over higher in English and maths this year.
The national average in England is 50%
Attainment score of the school is lower than average by approx 10%

On the flip side however, no permanent exclusions this year. There were 13 last year...yes you've read that right, 13 permanent exclusions. I'll try to remain optimistic...and told DD we would need to give the school a chance if no other options available.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 02/12/2022 21:41

Homeschool an option?

Noname99 · 02/12/2022 21:48

can you say which academy trust has taken it over? Some have a fantastic track record of sorting schools out and others not so much.

And every school had massive amounts of vacancies. That’s normal.

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 22:05

RandomMess · 02/12/2022 21:41

Homeschool an option?

Unfortunately not. I'm a single parent and need to work full-time. She does receive personal tutoring online though and does enjoy it. That will continue as a bit of a top-up when she goes to school

OP posts:
Onceinnever · 02/12/2022 22:11

How were the previous Ofsted reports ? Has it ever been good or has it been RI, RI, inadequate, for example?

The needing staff for sept start wouldn't be an issue. Needing staff now would be. Especially English, Maths, Science.

What was the progress data compared to other schools in the area?

Onceinnever · 02/12/2022 22:12

Sorry, for an Easter start or whatever. Needing staff isn't a problem, it's whether they actually have enough staff now which would concern me.

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 22:14

Noname99 · 02/12/2022 21:48

can you say which academy trust has taken it over? Some have a fantastic track record of sorting schools out and others not so much.

And every school had massive amounts of vacancies. That’s normal.

I'd rather keep that to myself. The other schools in the academy are okay - graded 'good' by Ofsted as far as I'm aware.

I've had another thought this evening. DD is quite a talented artist, always has been from young, and her teachers have commented a lot on her work. She showed me some of her work this evening, and imho, her work is on the same level, if not better than a Year 11 pupil taking art GCSE. I don't know if that would be enough to gain some kind of artistic scholarship for a private school. There are two fantastic private schools close to where we live.

I know they have artistic scholarships available, but not sure if the work needs to be on the same level as Van Gogh haha.

OP posts:
LucyFox · 02/12/2022 22:16

To address some of your immediate concerns as somebody who has worked in a “bad school” that turned round to “very good”
▪️No sixth form is not a red flag - many areas have excellent sixth form colleges, some schools with sixth forms are so stretched that they fail the younger students
▪️ a school at the bottom of the pile can only get better, a school at the top can only get worse! GCSE results are improving, that’s good
▪️Recruiting for staff is not a problem
▪️High number of SEN(D) children can actually mean better resources and differentiated teaching
▪️High number of children receiving pupil premium - this means more money coming in and many of the high PP areas have schools with really dedicated staff who want to make a huge difference to the lives of local pupils
▪️new reward system sounds great
▪️They seem to be addressing lots of issues with positive statements - maybe things are really changing under the new leadership!

Go and have a look round – see what impression you get from the receptionist (are they helpful & friendly - accept they will be busy but there’s a difference between busy and exasperated) be open with your concerns – let them know that you are new to the area and have heard mixed reviews of the school. Ask them what has changed since the inadequate OFSTED report.

but keep an open mind, inadequate schools get some of the best heads appointed to turn them round. your daughter could get a place at a school that is oversubscribed in a year or two due to a real focus on discipline, challenge, differentiated teaching, opportunities for disadvantaged students that are also available for non-disadvantaged (free trips, drama workshops, business/engineering/enterprise days, exciting visitors, etc)

AntlerRose · 02/12/2022 22:21

I have to admit i normally think it will be fine when you get there, my son goes to a school that was in a daily mail article of the worst 250 schools in the country and its fine.
but 19% is really low!
I would be being positive with your daughter about the school, keeping tutors and trying hard for a scholorship and bursary somewhere, plus keeping figers crossed on a place elsewhere..

Galarunner · 02/12/2022 22:25

Those GCSEs are truly terrible, that school is failing the vast majority of its students as they won't progress onto A levels or equivalent. This combination of inadequate in multiple areas and poor results would fill me with trepidation. I have worked in schools on a supply basis and this one really sounds like it is right at the bottom. Have you checked if there are any other schools in reach , maybe in the next local authority. A friend of mine couldn't get their child in a good school in the Sheffield area, but managed to find a rural school in Derbyshire ( a longish bus ride) which was good but undersubscribed ,mainly because of its location. They are thriving.

RandomMess · 02/12/2022 22:29

Any of the state schools have outstanding art results so that is your reason to appeal because inadequate school will be prejudice against her abilities.

NotABeliever · 02/12/2022 22:40

Can you remortgage and go private? But of a nuclear option but I would in your situation.

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 22:57

I have really mixed feelings this evening. I'm going to take a look around the school next week and ask questions. I was trying to be positive today, and showed DD the school website and Facebook page, and she said the exactly the same thing as me yesterday " The children don't look happy". I told her that we need to see how she gets on, and this school isn't set in stone. I'm terrified she will be bullied though. She's half Chinese (I'm Caucasian) but terrified she'll be a target due to her looks.Lots of talk about bullying etc, but she's quite a tough 11 year old. Certainly not a shy wallflower - thank goodness.

The outstanding school I wanted to send her offered an after school art club and a creative writing club which DD would have loved (her two passions). This school only offers sports. Also, they are hiring for an art teacher at this school, so no idea if there is any stability there. Those will be my appeal points. I'm also going to put together a portfolio of DD's work, and say that the art facilities are better at the other schools.

Will apply for a couple of scholarships too. You never know, and I've got nothing to lose at this point.

OP posts:
Dotingmumandgranny · 02/12/2022 23:02

If the inadequate report was as far back as 2019 then I would expect an improvement since then. Most headteachers who get an inadequate rating try to turn the school around as quickly as possible. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Original poster
Lemonsqueezeit · 02/12/2022 23:09

Dotingmumandgranny · 02/12/2022 23:02

If the inadequate report was as far back as 2019 then I would expect an improvement since then. Most headteachers who get an inadequate rating try to turn the school around as quickly as possible. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Unfortunately the 19% who passed with a Grade 5 this year tells me otherwise. I know there is improvement because lots of articles about it online, and mutterings about better pupil behaviour (no exclusions etc). However, I'm a bit in the camp of, if a school is truly horrendous, then any small thing would be an improvement. I don't believe that it makes it a good school just because they have had no exclusions.

Next week will be interesting.

OP posts:
carmenitapink · 02/12/2022 23:17

This thread is a great example of why the Labour provate school proposal is so bad. OP is the type of parent it would affect - squeezed middle left with sh*te school options or having to bankrupt themselves.

Is home school an option (some amazing
Online programmes these days) if private school isn't? Wouldn't send a bright kid to an inadequate secondary with poor grades...

Dontaskdontget · 02/12/2022 23:26

OP do make inquiries with the private schools asap. 100% free places are unusual but they do exist at many private schools. You have nothing to lose by asking.