Views on Ivydale Primary School

[Poppy3]

Hi. We are currently looking into primary schools for our son starting reception next year, and based on where we live, it looks like realistically we'll only be in catchment for Ivydale School. The general feeling I get from the few parents I know at the school is positive, but we have a few concerns, mostly relating to the 'Needs Improvement' Ofsted and test results, but also whether the school will be able to keep its close-knit community feel with its expansion this year.

We'd be really grateful for any insights from parents or others who know the school well. What is good / not so good about the school? Does it need improvement or is it improving? Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer.

Thanks!

[midivydale]

We live locally to the school and many of my child?s friends go there. Everyone that I have spoken to seem very happy with the school. I think that the community aspect is strong and personally I love the fact that the site is split so that all children have access to age appropriate playgrounds. Compared to most other local schools the resources seem amazing, which would a huge plus for me if I was looking for a School now. They also have very good provision for before and after school care, again something that many other schools struggle with.

I am sure Ivydale parents will be along soon and give their views. Oh and one thing, I really wouldn?t worry too much about ofsted reports in isolation. From my experience in isolation they tell you very little. We have had childcare provisions ranging from requires improvement to outstanding and the rating has never given the full picture. Much more important to us as parents have been things like communication and ability to speak to the school should there be any concerns. Both the Governing body and PTA seem strong At Ivydale which is a huge plus I think.

[ad2000]

Hi. Have you been to look around? Seriously, you need to go and look at schools. Its too abstract to judge on paper. Base it on what's best for you and your child. Being close by is a real bonus, trust me.

(And I have 2 children there. Personally happy with it all. Nothing's perfect. I've been in education for 27 years. If you have a strong family background it usually all works out ok! Bon chance). x

[nunheadmum]

The results for last year's year 6's were far stronger than those the Ofsted was based on. The school had a real hard look at why the results had been so bad and put in place a plan to improve them - which had the desired effect. I think that shows a positive leadership in the school.

I wouldn't say the school is perfect but no school is - even those with Outstanding Ofsteds will have their weaknesses.

The expansion of the school will pose challenges. (Any big change does.) But the leadership know that there will be issues and are ready to engage with them. They need the parents to engage too. If that continues to happen then it will continue to be a true community school, committed to keeping as broad a curriculum as the powers that be allow schools to.

[buggie]

I?ve got a daughter in yr 2 there & a son in the Nursery who?ll be going into reception next year (with sibling + increased places feel v secure saying that!) and I really like it.

As Nunheadmun says, they?ve worked hard and it?s evidenced by the work my daughter is capable of - her handwriting is already better than mine!

Read behind the headlines in the Foster report and it seems the inspectors could see the improvements and how effective funds were being used but had decided before entering the school that it needed improvement.

Look on the Ivydale website parent forum section for a better idea of how the school works with parents.

[BJA]

My son attended the nursery and is now in reception. We were offered a place a St John?s and decided to keep him at Ivydale as we were so happy with the school. My boy is very happy there. I think it has a very positive ethos. He comes out of class with a big smile on his face everyday. Personally I think Ofted Judge schools on a very narrow criteria. It?s not all about results.

[Poppy3]

Thanks everyone for your really helpful comments. I checked out the parent forum section on the school website and found this really interesting and insightful, thanks buggie. We have also been to look at the school - twice in fact! Once last year before the expansion, when it was very crowded (one class was being taught in a passage way!) and once just recently when it was much better. We'll also go along to one of the open days coming up.

Such a difficult decision to make, especially when kids are so young! My son is quite a sensitive soul so for me the most important thing is that the learning environment is really nurturing and supportive of his confidence and interest in learning. This is also why the close-knit community aspect is important and why I was a bit concerned about the significant increase in size.

Thanks again. Any other views very welcome.

[hazelnunhead]

I have a child at the school and we have overall been very happy with the school and the learnng experience. Over the past 7 years our child has experienced many wonderful teachers and TA's who have supported the learning journey. I have most loved the fact that she can walk to school and that most of her friends live around which has made play dates and meeting up very easy during school and holiday times.

Ivydale also has a strong extra curricular programme and children can do extra music classes; gymnastics, dance; chess; photography, natural history; debating amongst many others. There is a wonderful after school club run by Leigh as well as a breakfast club, so that parents and carers who need this type of support are catered for. Ivydale also run a holiday programme during Summer and I think Easter which is incredibly reasonable.

I am sure that with the next Ofsted that it will go back to it usual "good". There are many outstanding features to the school, and I think that the last Ofsted reflected more the previous Y6 SATS (which has subsequently been vastly improved this year).

Good luck with your decision, when the school has open events - such as the summer fair, or big run in Peckham Park, pop along as its a good opportunity to see the children (and parents!) in action!