What would you think of a primary school that...

[Closetlibrarian]

... had hardly any of the children’s work displayed on walls/ in classrooms, but otherwise seemed great?

Need to move schools (DC currently Y1) as moving house. Looked at the nearest school, which has places, which seemed really great and ticked all our boxes. Apart from hardly having any work on display? At DC’s current school there’s stuff on display everywhere- art work, photos of the kids doing stuff, learning journey-related stuff, etc...

It would depend. I have been in schools where, due to the age of the building, very little could be displayed due to the wall composition (asbestos). It was fine and safe as a wall, but couldn't have anything attached, drilled into it except in a few specific places.

I’ve seen it said on here that too many displays in school is over stimulating for some children with SEN. Possibly the school is being mindful of this.

Definitely not an age thing Blast - a large part of the school is very newly built (last few years) and even in that part, very little work displayed.

I hadn't thought of that BarkandCheese. I wonder if less busy walls/ environment in general helps children to focus ? I also wondered if the Head (who seemed lovely and had been there for 20+ years) just didn't like clutter!

I would ask the school the question. And see what response you get.

My daughters school don't display much but that's becuase they like bringing it home.

Her teacher said they ask them and if they want to take it home they'd rather they do that and talk to family about what they've done and what they had to do.

Agree, I'd ask the school if it bothers you.
I certainly wouldn't get fixated on the issue - after all, even if the school displays lots of artwork you have no way of knowing whether it is current work or still the work of students who left 8 months ago.

No, I'm not that bothered. And this was my 2nd visit, so I don't feel I can go back again just to ask this question! In all other ways it seemed great, so certainly not going to get hung up on this. Just gave me pause...

If work is displayed I would want it to be current and reflecting all abilities. Photographs too - our local school had a lovely mural of photographs of pupils by the office, the problem was that all the children had left the school (even those photographed as Reception Class).

If everything else seems to check out then I would just put it down to a quirk of the school and think thank goodness I have place at a good school. More important for me is the vibe of the school, was there a hum of pupils at work when you went around it, not deathly hush.

I would assume it is too make the learning environment calmer and less cluttered. Which is a good thing in particular for children with Sen.

As a teacher, I detest making displays, I find it a complete waste of time. It would only ever be the children with the best handwriting..most capable whose work went on display, so poor bobby never saw his work on display. I would question where the art work goes, you may end up with piles of artwork being sent home but I admire a school that realises displays have no impact on children’s achievements.

Yes admission I am v. grateful for that. We're really lucky where we live now and where we're moving to - there are places in all schools in DC's year, and they're all decent schools. So it comes down to our choice. Quite a lot of pressure to get it right, hence thinking about the small details.

that's good to hear Willow! The Head really seemed very sensible (had a great attitude to Ofsted/ the changing whims of the DoE and impact on curriculum/ and various other things). So this sounds very plausible... I'm going to ask DC later how much they care about the displays at their current school. I've always assumed children like them - colourful, brighten up the place, nice seeing evidence of your/ your peers work. But totally feasible that kids don't give a hoot about it.

Our school has revolving displays of current work but only in certain areas (like art outside the art room, trips photos outside relevant departments).

My school isn't keen on displays. My class are the only one with anything in the corridors. It's meant to help create a calm environment but we are based in an old office building and in my opinion it just makes the place look way too formal and depressing. Parents and kids like the displays. SLT still aren't sure...

Displays for learning, not displays of learning is the OfSted rhetoric.

Also with the rate of SEND, such as ASC growing in each classroom then busy walls can be a distraction at best, soul stoppingly unsettling at worst.

I couldn't tell you if my DCs school displays work on the wall, on the few occasions I've been in the classroom it's never registered with me so on that basis it would have no impact on my choice of school.

Who are displays meant to be for? I can totally see why staff would have better things to do that stick stuff up on the wall

It wouldn't worry me at all, except in the art room. My 2 sons' school and nursery also send loads of stuff home. Bloody car has been covered in glitter for the past two years!

Ha ha Jellycat1 - this is a local state primary, so no 'art room' (alas)

Many schools do classroom displays to support learning and this is what I would prefer to see. So if the class is stuffing the Maya civilisation I would like to see displays on this topic. Some schools have a display that showcases work in the entrance foyer.

I think photos are not a good idea. Some DC are not to be photographed and how does that support learning? If collaborative art is produced about a relevant topic, I think displaying it is great.

I have never been to a school with nothing and I used to visit lots of schools.

stuffing.... studying

I work as a supply teacher and work in loads of schools and knowing what I know it would not put me off a school. I question who really benefits from these displays, as especially in KS1 most of the children are too small and the displays too high for them to even notice them. Teachers time can be better spent without the added pressure of producing colourful displays on the walls.

I don't think it necessarily matters but I'm a teacher and I love a God display- just pinned up some awesome art inspired by Bob Road. I put everyone's up, they all worked really hard and the collective results are inspiring and they want to look at them.

I have however changed in that I now rarely mount or use backing paper as am more aware of paper waste - this might also be why some schools have fewer displays.

A good display, not a God one!!

Oh God autocorrect on everyone's too! Sorry, long day!