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Northease Manor School

204 replies

Lozzie12 · 02/03/2014 15:43

I am looking for a secondary school for my DS with HF ASD, he is currently in mainstream primary with a 1:1 TA but we have been advised he won't manage secondary. His main problems are anxieties and SpLd. I am going to look at Northease Manor School, does anyone have any knowledge / experience of this, many thanks.

OP posts:
ToffeeWhirl · 18/07/2014 12:23

Oh, sadly it's too far away from us Sad.

mscam20 · 14/08/2014 10:25

I know this conversation finished some time ago but I was wondering how parents were feeling after a break for summer. Our daughter has lived all her life in Spain and attended an International school where both my husband and I taught. She has been very well supported but as she moves through secondary it is becoming tougher for her. We have decided to relocate after 18 years in Spain and she has a place at Northease. I have read the posts thoroughly and we are seriously rethinking our plans. She also has a place at Mark College. Not having grown up in the UK she has no statement and we have saved every penny as we knew one day the day may come when we had to look for alternative education for her. As other parents have said it is really distressing to hear these conflicting views and as someone else pointed out its like hearing about two completely
different schools. Its clear that Northease has been an amazing place, but doesn't seem to be that place at the moment. I would really welcome any more recent thoughts from parents of children at Northease. Thank you!!

Original poster
Lozzie12 · 15/09/2014 16:58

My son started at Mark college 2 weeks ago after being offered a place at both Northease and Mark College. Mark college is wonderful, they have been so good with my son and in just 2 weeks we are already seeing signs of growing confidence. The staff are all caring and really good with the children. I can not recommend the school enough. If you are interested please pm me. Good luck with your search.

OP posts:
eatcakewillrun · 04/10/2014 21:04

I just wanted to provide an update on the Northease situation. My son is now in year 11 and in June/July last year we were on the verge of pulling him out. We were unhappy with various things and felt let down by the school. All I can say is Thank God we didn't. Over the summer things have really turned around. He made the decision not to leave in the end, and I'm glad we listened to him. He is now really really happy there, seems very settled and has taken to year 11 brilliantly. We feel that the school has addressed our concerns, listened and have really pulled their socks up. The atmosphere there is now very positive and we feel our faith in the school is fully restored. The homework situation is much improved, general communication is much better and I feel listened to and respected. I'm sure we'll still have some issues to deal with as we go through year 11 - and I'll certainly be keeping on top of things - but on the whole, it's a very different place and I'm now feeling really pleased with his progress there. No school will ever be perfect and finding the right environment for a child with difficulties like ours face is incredibly difficult. I'm sure not every parent will feel the same, but I feel that the inspection and resulting feedback was the impetus they needed to make some changes and get the school back on track. I feel much more confident in the future now.

ToffeeWhirl · 05/11/2014 15:45

Thas for the update, eatcake. That's good to know, especially as my son will probably be starting there shortly.

IsItTooEarlyForVino · 13/01/2015 13:56

Sorry to drag up an old conversation, but how are people finding Northease now? Has anyone been to tribunal lately and won as I've heard that Brighton LA aren't placing any children here?

ToffeeWhirl · 24/01/2015 23:12

I've been told by my LEA (East Sussex) that they are placing children there for day places, but not for boarding. Have to say that all the staff I have met so far have been lovely and the pupils seem cheerful and happy.

IsItTooEarlyForVino · 25/01/2015 10:51

Hi ToffeeWhirl. God I wish they would stick to the same response. I'm in Brighton so the same LA as you and they have told us that they're not placing anyone there at all due to bad Ofsted - we have just postponed our tribunal for this reason. I'm now looking at Frewen, but this is so much further, that my son would have to board (he's only 10) and it would cost the LA twice as much as Northease, which is only a 15 minute drive for me and he would be able to attend on a day basis.
I really want Northease as my son had 3 trial days and loved it. I will be arranging a meeting with the LA soon to discuss school placement before our tribunal, so hopefully they'll clear the Northease matter up - I will let you know what they decide this time!

ToffeeWhirl · 25/01/2015 11:46

I'll PM you Smile.

hash1 · 05/02/2015 19:18

I have recently read the latest OFSTED report for Northease Manor and although it is still a 3 'Requires Improvement' and far from the 1 'Outstanding' in Paul Stanley's Headship it does look like things are turning around.
The new senior management would appear to be getting more support from the Head-teacher and Chair of Governors. It is just a shame that previous excellent senior teachers and therapists were not given the same support and resources before they they felt it necessary to leave.
One point made by OFSTED was that the school does need to appoint a parent Governor. I hope that this appointment will be democratically voted for by the parents rather than being hand picked as is the case with the Parent Forum.

ToffeeWhirl · 06/02/2015 17:25

Thanks for highlighting the new report, hash. I've just had a look at it and, although there's clearly some way to go, there are a lot of positives. I was particularly struck by: 'There is a good and improved climate for learning at Northease Manor. The atmosphere is usually calm, and suffused with positivity. Teachers are passionate about the students and the school. Positive relationships abound. There is a sense that, with the right support, anything is possible!' That is certainly the impression I'm getting when I visit.

Very sad, though, that the school has lost so many excellent teachers and therapists in the past year or so.

Justfortherecord1 · 28/02/2015 02:54

Have to say Northease remains a place to be avoided all the above comments remain valid and no responsibility is taken for answering torrential concerns they have what they are calling a parent forum this is a closed email only to chosen parent reps who's names were pulled from a hat!! By the head and Mr Dave boys of course!! This is not a forum. Any enquires are not dealt with calls not returned and the standard of teaching remains low.
Many are students rather than qualified how they say they are a dyslexic school I don't know there are no dyslexia trained teachers.
Children are not cared for or inderstand and the classes remain disruptive noisy and scissors ect are thrown in frustration by some students.
Lea remain refusing to place children there. I would think seriously before believing a word that comes from the management unless you are a politician then you should do fine.
A magnificent school that is run by a governing board who listen to no one and have learnt nothing trying to drag up old pupils to give credit where none is due.
Children's welfare is not paramount there is no understanding of the needs of children and the head has minions who are quickly dealt with if her orders are not followed out.
She is vengeful and does not have the faintest idea of how to run a special needs school or how to provide even basic education in a fitting way.
Sad that a magnificent school has a reputation that goes before it and is ignored in the hope it will be swept under the carpet this school has been damaged in a way it will take more than smart words to repair and even the sticking plasters are peeling away as we speak. Very sad sad time.

reader108 · 28/02/2015 20:16

Can I just ask do you have a child at this school? I'm considering it for my ds reading things like this is heart breaking

reader108 · 28/02/2015 20:16

Can I just ask do you have a child at this school? I'm considering it for my ds reading things like this is heart breaking

reader108 · 28/02/2015 20:16

Can I just ask do you have a child at this school? I'm considering it for my ds reading things like this is heart breaking

Justfortherecord1 · 28/02/2015 20:41

Yes I am so sad to say I do and have had to keep them there as there has yet to be found a suitable alternative as many parents are finding.
Both girls and boys are being let down by this school that are yet again placing a barrier that parents cannot get through words are not followed up by actions and the main teachers struggle with children who's needs are not met so even with good meaning and dedication they are on a losing battle fraid the attitude is is if you don't like it go away or we will ensure your child will be disapdvantaged read through credits in heads newsletter and you will see the same pet names appearing those who brown nose to get the most from a failing school who have lost their way and believe they above the law and ofstead as they are independent yes we do indeed have children who are being failed by this school

Justfortherecord1 · 28/02/2015 20:48

It did read good as the children who were spoken to were all chosen carefully those ho were disruptive were sent on a trip the classes are not calm cases of there being so noisy that children ask to leave to be able to study are often the case those undergoing GCSEs are not supported or even given letter for parents to give permission and pay for related subjects trips so the children cannot understand why they cannot go .......responsibility passed to parents who did not fill out forms they were not given. Supply teachers and many student teachers is how this school runs even the head has had to leave meetings when her class was out of control no despite paperwork now being in order it is best avoided defo not a dyslexia or autistic spectrum friendly school

mothergerm · 28/02/2015 23:12

I have said before that just because a school may suit one child does not mean it will suit another. Each child is different and so as such their journey will be so too. Unfortunately, our son who is one that is has not worked for and all I will say is if you stand up for your child then that child will be punished because of it :-(

Woowo91 · 04/03/2015 21:13

So sorry justfortherecord . It is heartbreaking to have your child trapped in a school that is failing them especially if you have had to fight to get them a place there to start with. Hadn't realised it had become so difficult to change placements and am now very grateful we were able to move our child out of NM. Although it was really hard at the time to accept that the head was not going to do anything about the bullying or support our child in any way.
I do think unhappy parents should keep the pressure on Ofsted and let them know the problems and send Norman baker MP a copy . also Put all your concerns in writing to the school. If the head meets with you take your own notes and send her a copy later to agree to.

Justfortherecord1 · 04/03/2015 21:42

As the head and board of governors spend their time doing round robin with letters and meetings hold no change in agreed implementation to meet needs I am afraid this remains closed shop.
Parents forum one sends emails to an address and the chosen ones decide what should be discussed......this as many point out is not a forum.
They refuse to allow parents to have each other's contacts as they feel this has been abused in the past.....are parents not adults able to deal with one another they are not given the choice!
Teachers struggle to meet the needs of children and refuse to send work home to children who may be ill or unable to attend as it is too much work involved in photocopying and emailing.
Parents are viewed as vindictive and pests for whom the school feel they should not have to deal with and the children s issues should not be discussed even though as parents we know our children the best.
It is the same leadership closed with no parent allowed on governoring board
The leadership remains the same with some governors being forced to resign when it became clear they knew nothing about education or even were involved in the school

MagMan · 25/02/2016 21:52

Heard of the possibility of management changes? It would only be for the good... :)

Carrotcrocpot · 26/02/2016 10:16

Has this school improved since this thread began?

Juggling3plus1 · 27/02/2016 08:57

My son attends Northease and I credit them with taking a boy who made no academic in two years with a resultant negative impact on his self esteem into a boy who is happy to go to school, who is quickly catching up. His self esteem and confidence has improved greatly. I find the school staff very helpful and responsive to queries. I hope this is to you carrotcrocpot

Juggling3plus1 · 27/02/2016 08:58

Apologies - last post should read. Hope this is helpful to you carrotcrocpot

Carrotcrocpot · 27/02/2016 11:37

Thank you! I keep coming back to the school website but have held off contacting having read the thread! Glad they're coming out the other side of. Thanks for your reply :)