To expect the school to care about what it looks like?

[3yearsnosleep]

So I've just finished my first week dropping off and picking up my DD at her new school and I'm surprised (maybe I'm naive) by the lack of care and attention to the outside of the school, e.g notice boards that need a good clean with notices that are years out of date. It looks shabby and says to me that if nobody cares enough about the school and what the parents think to be bothered to clean the sign and notice board every so often, how much do they care about my child? I'd love to bring it up with the office but don't want to get a name for myself already! AIBU?

Sorry but I hate stuff like this. So many parents seem to choose a school or nursery based on what they look like. If everything was clean and tidy I would think they were spending too much time and resource on things that don't matter. A notice board out the front is no big deal. If the displays around the school of kids is years out of date then be concerned.

Wouldn't bother me. I went to a brilliant comprehensive school that looked like a tip - think Grange Hill but grottier. Quality of teaching was paramount. For example, I had French lessons in a prefab with a leaky roof but all 7 of us who sat the A Level got a B minimum, 2 went to Oxbridge. The school produced a few household name sportspeople too, as well as a current MP and a prolific journalist. See how you feel about the teaching before deciding.

Could indicate bad morale and a lack of pride or hope in the school... Or could be an 'appearances are deceptive' type of thing.

Is try and find out more from parents already at the school - OK, I know it's the kids at the school but parents are involved too and parental morale and attitudes have a huge affect on the school itself!

I'd be looking at staff retention, extra initiatives and community engagement, and how active the PTA is/ other parent involvement.