Rudheath Primary Academy

[pinklemonade84]

Does anyone have any experience of this school please?

It's the first school that I've visited and it's gone from not even being a real contender to actually being where I'd prefer to send dd next year.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but I could just see dd there and being happy. They have a huge outdoor area just for reception children. The head of reception who I met briefly while the headteacher was showing me around was lovely too.

All of the children that I saw, were so happy to see the headmaster and would warmly greet him (even the reception children who obviously hadn't been there long). And when we were talking in his office, children were excited to come to him and get praise and stickers for their work. He's even said to go back for another visit and take my husband (who was meant to be coming with me, but had his work shifts changed) and dd to see if she likes it there too

Am I crazy for getting this feeling from the first school that I've visited? It feels very much like the feeling I got when I decided on her nursery (which again wasn't a real contender, but after visiting was my first choice)

Also, when I spoke to the nursery manager when I picked dd up. She had nothing but praise for the school and had even sent her own son there

I worked there on long term supply just after it had changed to an academy. (4/5 years ago??) The behaviour of the older children was horrendous. However, I stayed because the leadership and support of the new head was fantastic. He had a clear vision to turn it around and worked tirelessly to implement new meaningful policies.

The teaching staff were fab and genuinely wanted the very best for the children. The curriculum and facilities were great too.

Only thing I might check is the exclusion rates - just to make sure the behaviour has been turned around since then, which it sounds like it has from your visit - and I'm not surprised as the head (principal) and staff were absolutely dedicated to ensuring that it was a positive learning environment for all.

@Podemos the nursery manager did say that the headmaster was very fair, but didn't take any crap and that in her opinion he'd done so well to turn the school around. Does that sound like an accurate description to you? It's very helpful to know that you rate the head and how he wanted to implement policies etc, thank you

How would I find out about exclusion rates?

I know this isn't something that should matter, so it's a very big added bonus and wouldn't be a reason for me to choose the school. They have a school dog, and dd would be so amazed at this if she does end up there (I was VERY impressed before even meeting the dog)

Go to other schools in the area and look at them. Then go back to Rudheath and see whether your thoughts have changed. At the end go with you gut feeling which is the right school for your child but just be careful about whether expressing a preference for this school is realistic given the admission criteria of the school includes siblings then living in catchment and then distance.

I'm definitely still going to visit the others in the area on my list. The head yesterday said that I still needed to, so that I could be sure I was making the right decision

I visited a few nurseries for dd, and that definitely helped to cement my decision for nursery

Sorry I have experience here my son is out of education now completely because these failed to give him the right support I stressed he needed but being his parent an me stressing this wasnt enough for them to do anything for him