Wimbledon Chase, Merton Park & Joseph Hood primary schools - views please!

[Trying2bMindful]

Hi
2 requests please: your opinions and your recommended questions to ask:

1. we are moving into the area from overseas and our DS is due to start reception next September. It looks like we will be in the catchment area of Merton Park Primary, Joseph Hood although maybe not Wimbledon Chase, based on April 2015 offers made for this September.

I will have to choose the schools blind as I only land in the UK the week before the primary applications have to be made on 15th January. DH will have to visit the schools when he is in London before Christmas!!

What is your opinion/experience of these schools and which would you rank first on the application form?!

My son is a summer born, may be bright, could be average, fairly outgoing, showing early signs of leadership potential, likes being outdoors, enjoys being active and loves the Montessori nursery he is currently in.

1. What questions would you recommend asking the school before selecting it? Whether by email or in person during a visit.

TIA

Most people around Merton Park would put Merton Park, Wimbledon Chase or Poplar before Joseph Hood. Merton Park and Wimbledon Chase got "outstanding" Ofsted reports. Poplar School is a bigger school, but it's also very good. The catchment area for Merton Park (without siblings) varies between about 200 to 400mm so location is vital.

Hi, would agree with SweetPenelope.

Joseph Hood is more Morden than Merton Park/Wimbledon and is much more a 'fall-back' school really. You very rarely (if ever) hear Wimbledon parents choosing it as their first choice.

There has also been some talk locally about Joseph Hood being under threat of closure due to the proposed opening of Harris Academy Wimbledon nearby (see here), although it seems to be conjecture at present.

Merton Park Primary School is a lot smaller than Wimbledon Chase Primary School which has been three-form entry since 2009 (the first one in Merton to do, so I think).

Visits will give you a feel for the schools and hopefully generate questions you've thought up reading their OFSTED reports, checking out KS2 League Tables (and results over a given time-frame), what's been written about them in the local press.

Also, worth hanging out in nearby parks and coffee shops, asking parents directly what they think of the schools. Most will be helpful and happy to voice their opinions!

Good luck.

Hi
Thanks for your comments. I'm living overseas and will not be back in London until 7 Jan. Hence asking what questions would you ask as I need to give my husband a list as he will need to visit the schools and ask questions!
I am relying on him to get a view of which one will work for our son.
He is unlikely to sit in cafes tho!!!

Hi MindfulBear

Welcome to Mumsnet Merton & Wimbledon.

Would think about questions relating to particular aspects of school life (listed in no particular order):

wraparound care (breakfast club/after-school activities put on by the school/after-school paid for provision)

teaching staff (turnover, how long SMTs have been in post, TAs, ratios of newly qualified teachers to more experienced ones...)

wellbeing of the children (do they seem happy, does the school environment give off a warm, welcoming and happy vibe, safeguarding issues, how they cope with bullying, SEN provision etc...)

ethos of the school

learning (how well do the children do, added value, do they provide additional support for those who are 'Gifted & Talented', position in Merton KS1&2 League Tables - some schools are consistently in the Top 10 but some markedly fluctuate, how the children are stimulated in the arts/sports etc...)

That's just for starters. Your husband will hopefully get a feel for which school feels right for your DS - you can sometimes tell as soon as you walk in to the reception area, meet the admin staff and see how welcoming the waiting area is!

It is worth looking at the two/three most recent OFSTED reports for the schools concerned and see if they've been consistent, on a positive trajectory or the reverse. Also it helps you see what their particular strengths are (and what areas might be weaker...)

If you have an idea of where you may be living, it's also vital to ask if children from that road (or even house number - the catchment areas of some schools can be micro-managed to that level of location!) get in on distance etc.... Also a big issue with the primary schools is the 'sibling factor' which can significantly reduce the number of available places for eldest/only children entering primary school at Reception Class level. You can also contact the Admissions Team at Merton Council if need be, to clarify any related queries ([email protected]).

Good luck!

thank you. very helpful

I would put Wimbledon chase first, Merton park also v good but smaller school feel and also smaller catchment. People think badly of Joseph hood but my understanding is that it has much improved and I have heard stories of satisfied parents. However I would want to visit it myself before accepting it.