Primary school...we all want the best but....

[mossity]

We have been in a funny situation where dd got offered her first choice school but had to refuse due to child protection reasons (very long story!) so at present we are without a school. We are on the waiting list for 4 schools one outstanding, one good one satisfactory and one just coming out of special measures! I really don't mind which school we have I just want dd to have a place. I hear do much all the time saying " I don't want my child to go to this school it's only satisfactory" . I work in education myself so am not worried about the poorer pro forming schools. These will prob have more money thrown at them and will be trying very hard to raise there standards. I just find it hard when people have a school place to hear them saying that I don't want little jimmy to go there because the children achieve lower results and little jimmy is bright etc!!! These last few weeks have really opened my eyes! I hope I haven't ruffled any feathers but I feel so strongly about it at the moment xxx

I think if you are an engaged parent it's likely your DC will do well regardless, and as you say - schools in special measures get a lot of help or get forced into Academy status by the idiot Gove.

The school my DDs went to (DD2 is still there) was rated just satisfactory when DD1 started there, it is now good verging on outstanding and honestly - I haven't seen any changes in the teaching, just the school getting better at 'selling' itself.

Hello mossity.

I can understand why people get so worked up about schools' standing in the league tables but I hope that the admissions experts on here have begun to get the message across that Ofsted ratings have nothing to do with admissions criteria and are never the basis for a winning appeal. Little Lucy may well be exceptionally bright, but the LEA won't award a primary school place - and a panel won't allow an appeal - because of it.

Oh I wasn't trying to generalise. There are many people with genuine reasons/ worries why their kids can't go to certain schools (just like me) but I have spoken to do many at dds nursery who are just so worried about the ofsted side etc.,.. One mom was not happy her sin had the school he got as the school jumper was yellow.... I kid u not!!!! It's not until your in such a situation that u take time to reflect! I will appeal for the catchment school if we don't get in but I also
Need to look at the bigger picture... Dd can go to any school in the area (bar our bloomin first choice!!!) it's just got me thinking that's all. Xxxx

Sorry bout typos.... Bloomin iPhones x

Secondary choice is still a long way off for us as DS is only in Y2. However, as a secondary teacher and parent I am looking at the school itself and where my child would achieve and fit in best.

In our area there is a very large 'satisfactory' rated school with lots of different courses to choose from, and a smaller 'good' school with a more basic curriculum and better on behaviour. There is a third school which has been in special measures several times, has a rather disadvantaged intake and behaviour is said to be not so good.

I will do my upmost to get DS in the small, 'good' rated school as DS hates crowds and will thrive in smaller, controlled environment. Besides, if they are not on top of DS, he will follow those who are up to nonsesne.

On the other hand, for his first school, I chose a 'good' school over an 'outstanding' one as that school focused on letting the children develop at their own pace at the age of 4-7 whereas the 'better' school focused on targets and achievement.