Dolphin school in Hurst: help!

[todaynottomorrow]

We're struggling to make a decision for DD start reception - we've visited Dolphin twice and love the ethos, the community feeling, it looks like a very special place. However, facilities are in a bit of state (science lab, art room etc.) and I simply don't get not having a hot meal available... very odd for an independent school I believe. Anyone with a bit of knowledge on the school, on how lunch time works and why the facilities are the way they are? Many thanks!

Hi, I am considering to send my son (3 years) to Dolphin school. Could someone provide their thoughts on how you feel about your decision sending your child to this school. The comments here go back 10-15 years but it would be good to get more information on how the school is now. Thanks :)

@Gelica i know it’s an old thread, I’m just wondering if you sent your son to Dolphin and if so do you like it please? 🙏

It’s hard to find much information/ feedback on here for this school.
its so individual when come to picking a school.
Some parents it would not really appear to with lack of uniform etc though its not as quirky as want it was 20 years ago as moving with the times and had investment in new facilities/ hot lunches in recent years.
does really treat each child as a individual
good luck

@Kangroo01 thank you for your reply! I know a couple of people whose children are in Dolphin and one is very happy with the school and another one is thinking of transferring to Rupert House. So I’m conflicted. I’m actually all up for less formal approach and school’s ethos of ‘let kids be kids’. I’m just concerned about some of the comments here and school’s 2019 report. Although since then 2021 inspection was all pass …

The latest head and team did a sterling job during Covid which lead to quite a few more joining from other schools so I was confused to read a post about near closure above (maybe misread timing of post). We are no longer there After 8 years and while we were had 3 head teachers so maybe 2019 was during a transaction time ?
only after leaving do you see how much the children have learnt while there and how many of them go on to get high praise for great attitude/ joining in etc when for children just second nature.

it is a different environment to most other prep schools so depends what you are looking for.
good luck

Thanks so much @Kangroo01 !! That’s very helpful.