ok, so being very naughty and cross posting (sh, don't tell anyone) but desparate to hear about this school:
We've been offered a place there for reception, but it wasn't our first choice, and I can't make my mind up about it.
On one level it has a pretty good ofstead report although it is 'good' not 'outstanding', it does say there are a lot of non-native english speakers, but I found this article about the creative teaching there:
www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/may/26/creativity-schools
On the one hand I worry that it might struggle with lots of pupils coming and going (recent immigrants put up temporarily then moving on), and with lots who don't speak english very well (2/3s is it?) but I would be keen for my son to go to a mixed school with lots of cultures and races. So I don't know if my concerns are being a bit blinkered and middle classed.
I think maybe because of the challenges the school has, it might have some really outstanding teachers and what sounds like a really good head (their last head went on to be current head at Belleville and I think he's widely respected...) and they are putting lots of energy into innovative good teaching...
Maybe I'm being crazy to turn my nose up at the school, it could be the next belleville of the area.
There is also the fancy design of one of the class rooms:
www.viewpictures.co.uk/Details.aspx?ID=143717&TypeID=1
Please please - are there any parents out there with children at Westhill who can help me?