what's important in a primary school?

[littlesavages]

Hi, I have to apply for a primary school place next week and am on the border of two primary schools. One is very traditional and is ofsted excellent, but is very cramped inside with only two small school yards. The second is ofsted good (last one was in 2009) parents speak very highly of it and it is enormous, with playing fields, a forest school where the children go for outside lessons and an allotment. I have been wowed by the facilities of the second one and the headteacher showed me round personally and was very nice, but it is criticised by ofsted for not pushing bright kids hard enough. What is more important at that age stricter academic lesons or a nicer, more free environment for a child to learn?

thanks

Outstanding leadership is what i'd go for,look on both reports.

I would so go for the one with space.

If Ofsted have criticised the school for not pushing bright kids hard enough (this is a very common observation by Ofsted, btw), then the school will be addressing exactly this issue.

If you liked the head and facilities of the second one, definitely go for that as first choice.

Go with the one you are drawn to.

Happy children and staff.

go with your instincts. there your best tools in life

if it was highlighted in the last ofsted which was 3 years ago, then they will have done work in this area

my DD's school had the same comment and the work they have put into stretching the more able is fantastic

go with your gut and then be confident in your decision

Ask yourself how you'd feel if you chose the cramped school and it was downgraded at the next Ofsted inspection.

I would choose the school with space. The way you are talking about it tells me you like it more

Don't take too much notice of Ofsted. Clearly it's a guide, but not the be all and end all. Go with your gut feeling (sounds like you prefer the second one to me).

When looking at the Ofsted report, check out the Early Years stuff.