La Fontaine Academy - Bromley

[Hooliesmoolies]

Has anyone got children there? How are they finding it? How is the school working? Any teething problems? I'm considering moving my child, and just wondered if anyone could tell me how it was all going. Thanks so much.

Bump...really hoping the La Fontaine mums are just away for half term! I really am hoping this might be the right environment for my DD who is currently painfully quiet in school but excitable and bubbly out of school. Hoping the small size will give her the attention and space to find her confidence in school.

My nephew started there in September and after some initial anxiety due to making new friends/environment is now settled and happy. My brother and his wife are happy with the school, small classes (I guess due to it being recently opened) and they are happy with their son's progress. They say the headteacher is strict but has the right attitude to make the academy a success. Hope that helps.

My daughter started in reception at La Fontaine and she (and so we too!) couldn't be happier. She tells me every day how much she loves going to school - this for me would be enough. But on top of this she has made some lovely friends and she has made huge leaps academically in just 6 weeks. In addition, she chats away using the bits of French they've learned and this will only improve as she grows with the school (giving her a second language was the clincher with us sending her here).
IMO the headteacher is just strict enough! You see the children running up to him every morning to talk to him so he isn't unapproachable at all.

Not to be too mushy, but I feel blessed to have my daughter in a school that loves her back.
I know that they would welcome a visit from you if you wanted to see it for yourself. Or there are open days coming up for next years intake if you want to mingle in a crowd. Contact [email protected] or 0208 353 4160

what year is your DD?

Hello,
I have my daughter in the reception class in La Fontaine Academy. I am not sure where to start, but this school is truly AMAZING. My 4 year old jumps out of bed every day and loves her school. Even now at the half term she asks if she can go to school!
There are only 67 children at the moment as the school just opened in Sept this year. The head teacher and the teachers are fantastic, so amazing and kind to the little ones.
My daughter didn't speak any French when she started (neither do I) and am now coming home telling me what things are called in French. English and Math are the 2 subjects that are in English and the rest are in a mix of English and French. They learn songs in French etc. There are a lot of families in the school that has no French connection at all, it's a lovely mix of people from all cultures. There is a strong community among parents, all join in and help. Some even travel half across London for their children to go to LFA.
The school organized a cake sale a few weeks back and almost everyone brought in a cake from their country and the year 2 sold them all on their own. PTA organized a Halloween disco on Friday and everyone helped and the kids had a ball!
On Friday before they broke up for half term the reception children even had a little graduation ceremony from their first term. The parents were invited. They had made their own graduation hats and was all told how amazing they were and got a diploma! I have a 10 year old daughter as well and this has certainly never happened in her school years..
My little boy will without a doubt go to LFA next year too.
The school has great ethics and is very academic. This school is a free public school even though better than a private school in my eyes. I would have loved for my older girl to have had this outstanding start in her early school years too but am grateful at least the little ones gets it.
Teething problems..hum.. not really any, maybe the fact that it's a new school and library is not all in place yet. Parking around the school is a bit tricky in the morning as Princes Plain school is next door. Not sure if this is a problem for some but the children has home work every day, even on weekends (even in Reception classes), just as in a private school.
The site the school is on is not the permanent site, I think the aim is that in 2 years time it will move closer to Bromley town center. I personally think the site is great, there are a lot of greenery and fields around that they get to go out and explore in. The news letters we get home are great, very detailed with pictures of the children doing their activities, looks like the have so much fun!

They have open days coming up in November, go and see it!
Who doesn't want their child to learn a different language at an early age, I certainly know the struggle of learning one at this age..
Malin

I wouldn't say the head teacher is strict at all, he is fair and you can see he really cares for the children and they really like him and respect him!

yeah...so I was holding a back bit with my response and malin just kicked it!
Please, please go and see it for yourself. You've nothing to lose and a brilliant school to gain.

Very gushing reviews

thanks so much. My DD would be Y1. We need to go and visit. We will be attending the open day, but my DD would love to meet any other girls in Y1. If either of you guys happen to know anyone who might be willing to meet up with us for a few hours please pm me. My daughter is worried about not knowing anyone. Thanks again! It is so helpful to get people's experiences.

there's a y1 mom heading to help at the garden project today. i'll ask her. she moved her daughter from Southborough to start at LFA just now. what school is your dd at? there's a chance that another y1 or y2 student came from there...but I guess you may have known about that already...

Hello again,
Just wrote about the stuff that I would have like to hear myself if I was looking at a school. No holding back!
Due to having a husband that works on contracts abroad we have been at a few different schools with my older girl and often been unhappy :(.

LFA is very very academic which might not suit everyone, they do expect parents to get involved to achieve great result, homework every day and also on weekends and breaks. My daughter loves the homework though as they are very fun, this break she are creating a daffodil in a pot to bring in on Tuesday for a charity that the kids raised food for. Also creating a autumn creature and learning a few letters and numbers ontop of that and a book to read.

My daughter knows almost all the kids at the school after just one term, she has friends in all clases which is so nice. I've had the oppertunity to be a fly on the wall during school hours and the harmony and interaction between the kids themselves and kids and teachers is so impressive! The children are so well behaved and all seems happy.
Check their facebook page, gives you some more insite, they are also on twitter.

Thanks so much Malin. I am really keen, but my husband is worried about the journey. We are in Beckenham, and so whilst it is 20 minutes normally, with rush-hour traffic I think it may be 40. Do any of you guys have long journeys? How do your children cope?

Thanks!!

Ally

I know a family that currently come from Beckenham on the bus. The mom is aiming to pass her test at some point soon! If i remember correctly she says it takes about 40 mins. There's a good chance that other parents would share the drop off and pick up with you - I know others that do that from Orpington. It's a question to ask at the open day about how that can be arranged....

We considered this school for Reception. I have wondered a few times this term how it is going. Glad to hear it seems to be doing brilliantly . best of luck to all the children and parents there and I hope it continues to go from strength to strength!

Hooliesmoolies, I think 40 minutes would be a pretty good estimate for the journey, particualrly given where the school currently is. However, I think it is supposed to be moving somewhere more central in Bromley next year, so, depending where they choose, maybe the train might be an option from Beckenham Junction for the future which might make it more manageable?

Hi Hooliesmoolies, it sounds like we are in a very similar situation to you - we had a y1 place for our son at the school but turned it down due to lack of certainty about the site (we live in Penge).

Having now been to one of the open days I feel totally gutted that my son is not at La Fontaine which I think looks amazing. Anyway, just thought I'd message you as I did a test drive to see how long it would take to get to the school in the morning from Penge...it was about 40 minutes, fine until I got close to Bromley South and then pretty awful traffic thereafter. So should be a bit quicker for you coming from Beckenham. It did feel stressful though, sitting in traffic and wondering if you'd get to school on time! And yes, parking looked a bit tricky too.

I'd be really interested to know how parents from north of Bromley are managing the commute, if there are any tricks for avoiding the traffic etc! At the moment it still doesn't look to be a feasible option for us .

I've been meaning to come back with very grateful thanks to you all but pipandpop your message was a prompt. The very encouraging messages helped so much. We visited, our DD visited, and Monday is going to be her first day :)

Pipandpop we are a bit closer, but I believe that the fastest route in the morning is round the back of bromley close to farnbourgh, rather than Westmorland road. We have also been told it is better to leave earlier and to get to the school early but to have a slightly shorter journey. I'll let you know how it goes but I am so excited that my dd will be starting at the school. I think it is going to be amazing for her.

Just for anyone else interested, I LOVE this school. It is fantastic. I can't tell you how pleased we are with our move. The teachers are lovely and approachable, the children have to work hard, but they do so many fun exciting activities. The teachers listen to what parents have to say, and they are considering the whole child (social, emotional and academic). My slight concerns were the family dining (with a slightly fussy child), but actually she is MUCH happier with the lunch situation at la Fontaine. One reason is because there are no children having pack lunch and so she doesn't feel that she is missing out. The other one is because she isn't forced to eat anything. Ironically, that works much better for her. I think she will taste things, and there are some meals she loves, but she is much much happier being able to make her own choices.

So, I thought the travel might be 40 minutes. We do get there early (to be able to get a parking place, and we do reading in the car), but the journey is 20-25 minutes. My record home was 18 minutes.

Thank you all for helping me make such a good decision.

Hi all,

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions with regards to the potential relocation of La Fontaine school to the Havelock Recreational Ground!

Best regards,
Serge

www.lafontaineacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/FAQs.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions
Find out about La Fontaine Academy’s vision and mission:
www.lafontaineacademy.org/mission
Find out about what happens at La Fontaine:
www.lafontaineacademy.org/newsletters
1.
Who are La Fontaine Academy?
La Fontaine Academy is a member of the STEP Academy Trust, a registered
charity who see vision is to achieve educational transformation by establishing a growing family of Academies
The STEP Academy Trust is committed to improving the life chances of all children
La Fontaine is an inclusive, non denominational, primary school teaching children aged 4 to 11 in English and French. The school opened in Bromley in September 2014.
We opened with Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 classes, and will be adding a new year group every year until we reach full capacity.
Our school offers a unique service to parents and communities in Bromley which are underpinned by our beliefs in inclusiveness and academic excellence and the real value to children’s academic potential and life chances that arise from bilingual education. All children are welcome at our school and we strive for a diverse intake, reflecting our local community.
2.
Is La Fontaine
Academy a private school?
No, it isn’t. We strongly believe that education is a right, not a privilege
All children are entitled to a good, free education.
3.
What is a Free School?
Under the 2012 Education Act, all new state schools must be Free Schools or
be sponsored by existing academies
In June 2010, the government invited groups of parents, teachers, charities and local communities to develop proposals to set up a new type of school: a ‘Free School’. Where the Department for Education believes that a proposed school meets a local need and will be successful, a new Free School is set up. Free schools are funded by the government, so parents do not pay anything to send their child to a Free School and groups running Free Schools cannot make a profit. Although the government funds Free Schools, because they
are a type of Academy, they can do things differently from other state schools. For example, they can follow a different curriculum, or change the length of the school day. Just like any other school, though, they are still
inspected by Ofsted to make sure they achieve high standards.
Free Schools must be open to pupils of all abilities and cannot be academically selective.
4.
How do our admissions work?
At the moment, we admit people on a 50% proxi
mity, 50% ballot basis. Our admissions process including our ballot is
administered on our behalf by Bromley Council. The greatest majority of our pupils (as well as those who have applied to join us next year) live in Bromley. Our families predominantly live in Bromley Central.
5.
Are we a French school?
No, we are not. We follow the English National Curriculum. We are assessed by the Department for Education and Ofsted, like any other state school in England. We do teach French but do not compromise National Curriculum requirements. As we have a longer school day
(08:25-15:30), we can fit in French lessons on a daily basis into our timetable. We also teach PE and Music in French.
6.
How many children will attend our school at full capacity?
We will be a 3-form of entry school. That’s a potential 630 children.
7.
Will our school impact other local schools?
No, it will not. There is a shortage of school places in Bromley, particularly in Primary Planning Area 4 (Bromley Town Ward, Plaistow and Sundridge Ward, and Bickley Ward). Local councillors have recognised the lack of school places saying that ‘There is a serious lack of school places in the area, with many Bromley Town and Shortlands residents forced to go outside Bromley for school.(Newshopper Online, 7thNovember 2014).The nearest school to Havelock Recreation Ground (Raglan Primary school) is oversubscribed:
for 2014,it received 268 applications (for 60 places available). Offer distance
for 2014was0.26miles. The second nearest school (Bickley Primary School) is also oversubscribed: for 2014, it received 376 applications (for 60 places available).Offer distance for 2014 was 0.31 miles.
As stated in council reports, ‘[t] here are currently insufficient school
places in planning area 4 (central Bromley–Bromley Town, Plaistow and Sundridge and Bickley Wards). Without La Fontaine there is a deficit of 53
places (including the 5% surplus for choice and contingency) in 2014/15 rising to 108 by 2025/26. Initial school admissions data suggests that there have been at least 49 applications for school places at La Fontaine for September 2015 from within a mile of Havelock Road Recreation Ground.
8.
Will traffic be impacted?
There will be a greater number of people travelling to the area. As is the case with all schools in Bromley, some people will drive to school. However, beginning earlier (08:25, as opposed to 08:50 at Raglan Primary and Bickley Primary and finishing at 15:30, as opposed to 15:15/20 at Raglan Primary and Bickley Primary), key traffic issues will be avoided. We are considering finishing our day at 15:45. A robust travel plan will be developed and
we will consult local residents to ensure all views are taken into consideration.
9.
Will La Fontaine Academy take over Havelock Recreation Ground?
No, it will not. Our aim is to work with the local community to enhance the
park. Our aim is to ensure that the area gets the best it deserves in terms of 21st century facilities. We are aiming to make our school a flagship eco-friendly school and work with local residents to develop local facilities for all to use (e.g. we want local groups to use our school building in the evenings and at weekends). As part of the enhancement of the park, the council and our school will work together with local residents to develop play facilities for all to use (e.g. outdoor gym, multi-sport pitch). Our aim is also to enhance the biodiversity of the area by working with local families to develop the natural features of Havelock Recreation Ground.
10.
How much space will the school take up in area should it be placed in Havelock Creation ground?
Final plans are yet to be agreed. What has been agreed, however, is that
the school would have to be developed,as stated in council reports, on the basis that the remaining area would be upgraded with landscaping and the
possible addition of a children’s play area.

Any questions?
We’d love to hear from you.
[email protected]
We will update this list as people ask questions.

And a promotional video that can also be found on our website...

www.facebook.com/lafontaineacademy

Video: vimeo.com/118981574

l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffriendsofhavelockrec.org%2F&h=AAQHiLsS5&enc=AZPNEBq2dISpiQUr7xakuTgciQJ9R_CwB6bfRnaXX5Ul80rdymdcsSd1DP689xLR6t8xGFloh2LNd2VnGvRbG8_BONGb5X1WrJ6KHbuXXeZEh9ISzRa2o9_fPL59bCzWTgC1Rp3KJa67cPNsT8TEjYMA&s=1

There is however substantial local opposition to the proposal. Not on the basis of the school itself, but in terms of the loss of an open space in an area that has been identified as being deficient in open space. It's also in an area with limited parking and the adjacent road is a rat run. The existing primary school is just a couple of streets away and additional traffic given the 50% lottery system resulting in parents coming from some distance will be a highways safety issue. So perhaps better to go with plan A of the dss building, since the advice from central government (Eric pickles) related to the relaxation of planning restrictions on the reuse of existing buildings.

Hi Pooka the problem with the old DSS building is that it is in probably one of the most polluted corners in Bromley, and there is a LOT of research which suggests that car fumes are really bad for child development. I believe that there are proposals not to situate a school less than 100 yards from a main road (that is green party proposals, and not something I remember much of the detail from). Also, personally, I also think that all children deserve outdoor space to play in during their school day. There is very limited outdoor space in the DSS building.

The existing school has a very small catchment area, and so there are parents in the area who are not able to get in. It is such a complicated issue, and obviously there are many people local to Havelock who would much prefer to keep the rec as it is, without any change. But it is certainly far from clear cut.

I think it is totally fair enough that you wanted to mention the fact that some people are against the possible use of part of the Rec ground Pooka. I am just to add (for anyone else reading), there is a page for discussion of this issue (for anyone who is interested) - just look for Havelock Recreation Ground discussion.

I find it ironic Itshouldntmatter when you talk about the car pollution levels being bad for a child's health and yet 50% of the pupils at the school will be from elsewhere in the borough. (If they are accepted by proxy) How will they get there? By car mostly...
As Pooka has said that area has extreme congestion as there are two roads that are used as major rat runs in the morning. Adding another 600 pupils to that area will only serve to increase congestion and so pollution. Luckily I do not live in that area. If the school is built. I certainly would not want to live in that area. Staggering school times will not ease congestion it will extend it.
I agree it is a complicated issue, yes there is a shortage of school places in the borough but there needs to be some form of structured planning not just grab a green field because it looks like no one is using it. (When in fact plenty of people do) Once that field is built the loss will be permanent. Chances are, further encroachment will be allowed to happen.
There are plenty of other brown field sites that should be looked at nearby.

Yes, I do find it a bit rich that the need for the free school to be away from town centre and with green space overrides the desire of people living near the existing open space at havelock road to continue to have unfettered use of the recreation ground and to carry on dealing with the existing traffic and parking issues without having to deal with a load more.

Incidentally, the oversubscribed school at raglan has no green space at all. They use the park nearby for sports days etc.

However, I understand that the site the school is currently sharing, at princes plain, has a good sized school field. I believe that princes plain is actually undersubscribed.

I'm not arguing that there isn't a need for more school places. But personally I think that objective is better served by the expansion of existing schools rather than by building on green spaces. For what it's worth, my dcs attend a school that was at the bottom of my list of options. We didn't get into raglan - about 30m out of that catchment, albeit several years ago. So off we went to the school we got, which has actually been great and the kids are doing well in general. It could probably expand relatively happily into what is quite a sizeable site. But no doubt there won't be the money to do this since the mass academisation of schools and the presumption in favour of free schools has hit the LEA's finances to such an extent that they probably can't afford to fund expansion.

It's madness!