Suddenly offered a place in outstanding school - what would you do?

[LaLoose]

Hello, I got a phone call at lunchtime which has thrown me quite a lot. Can you advise me?

My children started at year 1 in a primary this term, Ofsted-rated Good (they were in reception at another school, which they loved, and that we had to leave for reasons completely unconnected to the school). It is OBVIOUSLY very early days and I don't feel in a position to make a judgement yet about the school. It is friendly and has a nice atmosphere. I have vaguely felt that the children weren't being pushed enough, but was / am keen to keep my powder dry and see how things bed down before talking to staff.

The phone call today was to offer the children immediate places in year 1 at a primary school rated Outstanding, for which they were on the waiting list. (This is despite the fact that I had rung that school during the summer and told them we had accepted a place elsewhere.)

It's pretty appalling timing. Obviously, were we to move the children again, this would be a second big upheaval for them in a matter of weeks. They do know two children at the Outstanding school, but that is not the clincher for me, as they are obviously making friends in their current Good school.

I'm also, naturally, planning to gently ask them for their opinion over the weekend.

What would you do, oh wise Mumsnetters?

Oh, just to add that we have been given until Monday to decide.

Have you visited the outstanding one ?

Yes, last term. Was shown around it and all the children in each class were behaving impeccably, lined up in rows, concentrating intently. I joked to the lady showing us round that it was as though they knew they were on show...

But we were NOT allowed to have a meeting with the headteacher. She rang to apologise, but said it might be seen as favouritism (which I thought was odd). The school is oversubscribed, but it seemed a bit pompous.

Outstanding isn't everything. Which is easier to travel to? Can the kids walk home alone from one when they are older? Which has more extra curricular activities? Are they the same size? Can you ask the parents from the Outstanding school for an honest view of the school? I don't envy you that decision at all.

I don't like the fact you couldn't meet the head. Our head shows the parents around personally. I think that sort of attitude would sway me all other things being equal.

The reason I asked was that I ran a mile from one local outstanding school - felt all too old fashioned and formal. I loved a local RI school which was another choice as it was more homely and creative. Any pros and cons re sport, music, play space, locality, distance etc? It's a very personal choice

My DD goes to an outstanding school - it has been a failure for her from day 1, the ratings really aren't everything.

Are they similar size? I am not a fan of tiny schools

I really would not make a choice based on Ofsted alone. My dd went to a school in our borough that people rent flats in the catchment area for and at the time that was only rated "good". What about if Ofsted rated your current school Outstanding next week - would that tempt you to stay?

I really think year 1 is a bit young for pushing - they are still learning the basics. But if your instinct makes you feel uncomfortable that is probably is an indication that something at the school is not right for your family,

Perhaps make a judgement based on ease of access, facilities, school clubs and extra curricula activities on offer. As the other poster said, perhaps visit the outstanding school (again) and see what you think.

I am seeing a mum whose son is at Outstanding school this weekend, to ask her opinion. I know her a bit and think she will be objective.

Both schools are pretty much equidistant; outstanding school perhaps slightly nearer, but not much in it.

Outstanding school is two-form entry, current Good school is one-form entry (pretty tiny). Why aren't you a fan of smaller schools, Doodledot? I'd be interested to know.

Year 1 extra-curricular in either is minimal; both start offering interesting options in Year 3.

I'm off to collect children from after-school club now, so apologies if I don't check back in until later. I really would appreciate all opinions!

Unless the school you are at is a logistical nightmare or is wildly bigger or smaller than you feel comfortable with and if childcare options not a clincher, I wouldn't move.

Having to move once at that age is disruption enough.

There are a few threads on size of schools. What is nice at 5 can be suffocating at 10. Lots around more clubs, greater friendship circles so a child can find people like them, more opportunity for grouping eg. Highly talented children together for maths. In a class of 20 there may be eg only 10 girls so a fall out has more consequences. All the teachers I know say putting twins in seperate classes is better etc so they can develop individually and in their own space ...

Our local "outstanding" school was where I thought I'd send ds2. Until I visited it.
So I would be wary of moving just based on Ofsted.
I think you have to decide based on the school you are at now IYSWIM
So- are the Dcs happy? Are you happy? Are there issues at current school that make you think that going through the upheaval of a school move would be worth it?

Also- the outstanding school? Was it a school you loved? Are there things other than the Ofsted that are better than your current school?

Search on here under - village town school for example and see opinions

It also depends on when the last OFSTED was .... If Good recently it is likely with the changes to criteria it is nearer to outstanding and vice versa

Ofsted rating isn't everything. Last year 2 outstanding primary schools in very nice suburbs in my borough dropped to satisfactory after inspections. I would go with your gut instinct and go with which ever school seems to suit your DCs personalities.

I wouldn't move anywhere that I hadn't met the head. They set the tone and the agenda.

Thank you. This is all very interesting. I have only heard bad things about the head of Outstanding, but am quite impressed by the head of Good.

I suppose my problem is that I might look back and kick myself; we won't get another chance to move. If we refuse the place we will be off the list.

Not being able to meet the head would put me off massively. In fact, it was the reasonwe rejected our local outstanding school.... which was subsequently downgraded.

If you've heard bad things, haven't been able to see for yourself because of 'favouritism'...it's a no-brainer. Seriously.

An outstanding school can only go one way and a good school can improve.
Personally, from what you say the outstanding school sounds very regimented.
Do you think your dc would suit a school like this, it didn't work for my ds2 and he was soon in the none faith community school next door, with real kids.

Outstanding/good = potayto/potahto IMO.

If your DC are happy where they are I would keep them there. Also - when was the outstanding last inspected? Because the framework changed recently (within last 2 years I think?) and you may well find that if the outstanding school was judged to be outstanding a few years ago it wouldn't necessarily be now.

Thank you very much everyone. I very much appreciate your opinions and respect your experience (I have only got as far as Year One yet). It has helped enormously to give perspective on what was a bit of a troubling day for me! Thanks.

Are you comfortable and happy where you are? Do you like the other kids and parents? Do they like it? Happy children means thriving children