Hawes Down Juniors - West Wickham

[Becksterboo]

Hi there, we are thinking of moving into the catchment area of 2 or 3 main primary schools in West Wickham/Hayes, the closest is Hawes down primary. Does anyone know what this school is like? The last Ofsted report of Hawes down juniors has given them a requires improvement but I know Ofsted reports aren't everything.

Thank you, I really appreciate any advice you can offer.

Hi both my children are currently at this school started in the infants in reception and now got one just about to leave and another in year 3.
I really like the school and both kids are doing well, I would take the Ofsted with a pinch of salt, some of it really was nit picking. Of cause there are areas that can be improved but that can be said for most schools. The points which were raised in the Ofsted have been looked at and positive stops have been taken to make improvements. I think the school has now had another visit but not an inspection and the inspectors were pleased with the progress. The other good thing about the school is that it's only a 2 form entry so just the right size, pastoral care is also excellent.

DD is currently in year 2 at the Infant school and will move over in September. We didn't even think twice about moving her or having any doubt about the Junior School. If you read Ofsted closely you see that the areas mentioned are not overly dramatic, at least in my view.

The school will become an academy very soon but this will apply to all Bromley schools as well. They will from a trust with Langely Boys and Girls schools and the Infant.

Thank you very much. I think insight from parents is much more valuable than any Ofsted report. I have two little ones, DD2 to start reception in September 2015 and my DD1 is in yr 2 so will move into Juniors September 2014. We are hoping we could time a move to fit around the key dates so we could get a reception place for DD2 and wait for a place for DD1 but we're not holding our breath!

Hope you don't mind me asking a few more questions, I will no doubt have more as time goes on..

DD1 loves her after school art clubs! Does Hawes Down have good after school clubs?
Does the school have a parents association?

Interesting about them becoming an academy, didn't Pickhurst become an academy recently?

I think most Bromley primaries are becoming academies, dd is at highfield, that has become an academy. I have friends with children at Hawes down, they seem quite happy with the school.

Thank you, You've certainly put my mind at rest. Just got to convince the little ones that a move from a school she's really happy at is good for her, we're moving so hopefully they can both get into Hayes Secondary school.

There are loads of clubs, Spanish, yoga, hockey, computer, art, gymnastics, ballet, rugby, football, basketball ect.
There is a PTA and they are always looking to get new members and are a lovely bunch.

Bromley council told all primaries to become academies by 2015 the latest. Yes, Pickhurst is an academy since last year.

You can find a list with all clubs on the HDJS website, my DD already looks forward to Hockey and dance if I understand it right.

Thank you all very much for letting me know about Hawes Down. It's good to know so many of your little ones are happy there.

I currently help out at my daughters school in Addiscombe one day a week so it's good to know they welcome parents help too.

I will also look on the website for their after school clubs. I think we missed the HD summer fayre but I will look to see if there are any other events in the school we could perhaps pop along to.

We've also bribed my eldest with a new pet goldfish to soften the blow of moving, I know she worries about making new friends but from what I've read I don't think she should have any problems if she gets into Hawes Down.