What would your "perfect" Primary school be like

[ValentinCrimble]

I often think about how most parents have at least one issue with their DC's school experience. Also about how many parents look for an alternative to state education...not perhaps having the cash for private.

For me it would be an arts based school...small perhaps starting at 7 years...obviously with strong teaching in reading, writing and Maths....but with extra attention to the arts....and the outdoors....small classes with an individual approach...no reading schemes! Tell me your wish list...

It wouldn't have the staff toilets behind a combination coded lock that the code is never given to supply teachers.

Sorry - you asked and I've had various cross legged breaktimes!!!

i wish my Dc could go to a school that is a safe (from bullying) environment and that the children were encouraged to achieve. That there was an acknowledgement and celebration of different children being good at different things. That winning and losing are a part of life and its how you handle these roles that count. And only when they had done all this would they even begin to think about PSHE or eco schemes!

Small class sizes
interested fun teachers
no bullying
free breakfast and afterschool and holiday clubs ooh look a flying pig

I'll start buliding now then shall I? I will include the loo's for you emptyshell.

If I had more time I would for sure open a school....not that I can teach! But I would love to open one which wasn't bound by the state and which was free.

No homework! Actually, I don't mind reading and a few spellings/times tables are okay but written homework is totally unnecessary for primary school children

Enthusiastic and inspirational teachers - lots of sport and outdoors stuff - welcoming attitude towards parents - am delighted to say that my DS has recently started a new school where all these seem to be happening .

Oh good for you sooz....hope it all goes well!

I agree about the uniform...I like the idea of a uniform but hate the formality of it which has gone all to cock...so you have kids in their wn variations of whatever....I think the Aussies have it right....kids are in joggers and sweaters till they're about 7....much more comfy and hardwearing too.

You will never get the perfect school, I have 4 DD all different & all required very different schooling, I'm very happy with the primary but would like 1 thing changed.
NO PARENTS ie: NO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS, OFFICE STAFF OR DINNER LADIES with children in the same school as there little cherubs!

I know janey...it's just a fantasy.

Well I am very happy with the ones we've used for 9 years. I don't think there is such a thing as perfect, just the right one for your child, and this one has been pretty good for all of mine (so far).

Well dd's school is perfect for her. But it's not the local school, she has a very tight statement and 1 to 1 support so that makes a huge difference.
What makes it good despite meeting dd's needs is that it is a warm and welcoming school. Teachers are communicative and open and the school is child centred and individual learning plans mean that every child succeeds for themselves even if not necessarily meeting government targets.
Don't think I'd change much well maybe make it within walking distance.

Euphemia I AM a supply teacher! (and perma-cross legged at the school in question!)

It's just got the staff areas behind a security door - which is great - if you know the code to get in there, but they've got a policy of not telling supplies the code and the loos are back there - so you have to stand at the door doing the pee pee wriggle dance praying someone comes by to let you through to spend a penny!

Euphemia , the kids and I are packing already.

DS1 started at 3 in a lovely little school which incl Nursery and pre-prep. It was very old fashioned, no white boards, no gizmos and gadgets, small classes of 5-10 children. It was more like a big familly home than a school. Lots of outside space, with all wooden toys and playhouses. He loved it, but the school could not survive under ofsted! that's another story. When DS moved to the state sector his world fell apart.

The primary school ds used to attend in teh UK was lovely.

I'd like a school with lots of art, music, outdoors activities on top of the traditional subjects. And lots of history too!

Fun, enthusiastic encouraging teachers who really get to know your dcs stengths and weakness and recognise and cater for their learning style.
Teaching to inspire learning rather than passing a test.
Small class sizes with lots of one to one time
Lots of outdoor stuff - forest school type things as well as lots of pe (a swimming pool would be nice )
Lots of space outside - decent playground and field.

Think I'll stop there before I get carried away

Mine would be Montessori
small classes
not divided by age
Loads of outdoors work
but free and not just populated by kids with slightly edgy and mainly wealthy parents (I found most of the other parents more than a bit fluffy tbh)

I would like there to be more parental involvment too...our shool is great but we're not allowed to volunteer apart from PTA things.

"i wish my Dc could go to a school that is a safe (from bullying) environment and that the children were encouraged to achieve. That there was an acknowledgement and celebration of different children being good at different things. That winning and losing are a part of life and its how you handle these roles that count. And only when they had done all this would they even begin to think about PSHE or eco schemes!"

• All of your aims are covered creatively through qood quality PSHE lessons. That's what they are there for. Unfortunately PSHE lessons can end up being squished out of the curriculum when parents percieve there to be no value in them. So unfortunate as I think children need far more PSHE type lessons.

I disagree, mum. I do not think we need PHSE lessons. I think schools need a clear ethos, showing respect through how everyone treats each other, making time for private chats, showing interest and concern. A strong focus on learning and supporting to learn can raise self-esteem without specific PHSE lessons.