Ofsted/results Vs Gut instinct when choosing a school.

[LadyTophamHatt]

We could be in a postition when Ds1 has to change schools soon and was wondering whether I should go by the results of the school or just how it feels when we visit.

2 schools, similar pupil numbers, similar results, similar distance away from home.

How would you choose?

(emmatmg)

wait outside the school at home/ morning time to get a feel for the children and parents who are at the school..then ask one of the parents what they think of the school , its weaknesses and strengths, i went to a local playground where all the kids from the school went to and started asking some parents about the school ..they probably thought i was some wierd woman trying to extract info from them but they were all fine about it plus are there any moms on mn that uses those schools .put a thread out for it and see if you get anything..good luck, also what about asking to sit in on a lesson for an hour to see how it is.. if they refuse dont go for it as a school should be open and welcoming and i was given this advice by an ex teacher/ed psychologist

check out netmums.com as they have your region covered i think and its for local moms so you can check out what they say about local schools or ask a question about schools in your new area plus they have lots of onsite info about whats going on in local area..good luck

Having watched ofsted at work and seen how a school can prepare for, manipulate and "fiddle" their inspection I pay little attention to Ofsted reports unless they are negative.

AS others hvae said you need to know how to read them and they are subjective, i woud go on your gut feeling and if possible speak to parents of kids at the school.

if you can go to a social event and see how the kids behave. Watch the playground for any sign of bullying. Read the ofsted for what the weaknesses are - when we changed schools I didn't greatly care about any weakness in classes below my kids

We ended up with a school I really didn't like on my first visit (too long a story). Its been Ok, not a great school but then there isn't a great primary here.