September 3rd 2024.
When it came time to search for the perfect school for my son, I had a clear vision in mind. I wanted to find a school with good values and manners, where my son could feel safe and happy. So, I began my search by looking at schools with outstanding Ofsted ratings. However, my first-hand observations at one particular school shifted my perspective.
As I peered through the railing of the school, I saw the staff letting the children out to play during lunchtime. At first, it seemed like a normal scene - children running around and playing. But then, I noticed something that made my heart sink. The older boys were throwing basketballs at the younger children, without any intervention from the teachers on duty. I was horrified to witness such aggression towards young children, and the fact that the teachers seemed oblivious to it.
Despite the glowing reviews of this school online, I knew right then and there that this was not the place for my son. It was just one of the schools that I personally visited and observed, rather than relying solely on Ofsted ratings, in order to make the best decision for my child's education.
Recently, there has been news that Ofsted is doing away with their one-word ratings and will instead use more detailed reports. As a result, many parents are concerned about not being able to find an outstanding school for their child. However, I believe that we should take a more holistic approach when selecting a school, just as I did when I began my search for my son.
In 2022, when my son Felix was three years old, I started my journey to find the perfect school for him. While other parents were using national data-based school finders or frantically posting on local Facebook groups, I took a different approach. I stood outside school gates, covertly observing the parents and teachers, in order to get a feel for the school's atmosphere.
I am grateful that I took this approach because I witnessed some shocking things at schools that were supposedly "outstanding" according to Ofsted. At one school, I saw a teacher completely ignore some students who were trying to get his attention. He simply walked past them, glued to his phone. At another school, I witnessed a mother swearing at her young child without anyone batting an eye. And at yet another school, a parent was smoking and arguing in front of their child, carelessly discarding their coffee cup on the school wall instead of using the nearby bin.
These may seem like small things, but as a parent living in central London, I was looking for a school with good values and manners. These observations, along with my son's condition of Glanzmanns - a severe bleeding disorder - made it all the more important for me to find a gentle and caring environment for my son.
After a few failed attempts, I finally visited the school closest to our house. It had been right under my nose the whole time. The school had been around for a hundred years and had small class sizes. I had initially overlooked it in favor of the more modern and highly rated schools. But as I stood outside on a sunny day in June, observing the students leaving for the day, I could see that they were calm and happy. The staff were friendly and the parents were chatting and relaxed, creating a sense of community. I later found out that the school prioritized bringing the community together through events like summer fetes and coffee mornings - something that was rare in central London but reminiscent of my own childhood.
This school did not have an "outstanding" Ofsted rating, but that didn't matter to me. It had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, good values, and a charmingly quirky feel. I knew right then and there that it was the perfect place for my son.
Luckily, we were in the catchment area for this school, and it was just a five-minute walk from our house. And the best part? I could often hear the school bell ring as I ran down the hill to pick up my son.
I believe that abolishing the outdated Ofsted ratings is a positive step. A school can have a "good day" during their inspection and be on their best behavior, just as they can have a bad day. Instead of solely relying on grades, parents should consider all aspects of a school - including life skills, confidence, and their child's happiness.
Outdated ratings cannot accurately portray the caring and kind environment that some schools have. I urge parents to ask around at local mom groups, online forums, and nurseries to gather more information about schools. After all, we should be as nosy as possible when it comes to our children's education.
Do you have a similar experience or story to share? Let us know by emailing jess.email. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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