Heathbrook Primary
School is a primary school in Lambeth, in South London. I am a parent
of a child at the school. My other child is in the school nursery,
and will start at the school in September 2015.
Recently my attention
was drawn to a single blog post that was created under the name
Heathbrook Primary School Whistleblower by a disaffected ex-governor
of the school, back in July 2012. This post has hung around like a
bad smell, unfortunately shows up in Google searches, and is putting
prospective parents off from sending their children to what is a
great school.
Obviously, funding
follows pupils, and so by deterring prospective parents, this
malicious blog is harming the school, and with it, the education of
all of the children at Heathbrook. So I have created this alternative
blog to refute some of the original, untruthful claims.
The Heathbrook Primary
School Whistleblower site claims to be set up to reverse what she claims are the
"plummeting standards" of the school. Instead, it makes
libellous accusations about the new Headmaster and Deputy Head of the
school. The original blogger is cowardly, hiding behind a cloak of
anonymity, and prevents any comments being made, effectively muzzling
any parents who disagree with her claims.
I am actually not going
to go into the tawdry reasons that really lie behind her decision to
create the blog as, in truth, none of this matters, if her claims
were not so untrue and so damaging.
My daughter has been a
pupil at the school for a number of years. Throughout that time, I
have been tremendously impressed with the headmaster, Ben Roberts. I
have always found him to be unbelievably dedicated to the school and
the pupils. One of the things that has most impressed me is his
knowledge of what happens at the school on a day-to-day level. He
interacts with the children on a pleasantly familiar level, appearing
to know each one personally. When my daughter had been going through
a dance faze in the playground, he fondly referred to it at the end
of the day. When her grandparents were coming into school, Ben
Roberts already knew about their impending arrival. Such easy
familiarity comes with knowing each child, and listening to them –
even when, as with the case of my daughter, that might involve quite
a bit of listening!
I am also amazed at the
access that parents get to both the Head and Deputy Head. At the
morning drop-off and at the evening pick-up Ben Roberts always seems
to be at one of the school gates, with the Deputy Head, Mrs Guertin,
at the other. Far from not being available, they go out of their way
to be available daily. If a parent has any issues at school, they
simply have to walk up to Mr Roberts or Mrs Guertin and speak to them.
This caring and
nurturing atmosphere is shown by the whole school. When my daughter
was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that needs daily
treatment; teachers, administrators and classroom assistants were
queuing up to volunteer to be trained.
The school is a great
mix of all types of people. It reflects London in its entire
diversity. It is a happy place, where my children feel secure.
Learning is fun, and teachers seem unbelievable dedicated and
skilled. The headmaster has a great vision for the school, is
committed beyond the call of duty. He could not be more approachable
if he nailed himself to the front gate!
If your child is
allocated Heathbrook Primary as their school, then you please ignore
the bitter and cowardly untruths of the Whistleblower blog. Make an
appointment to visit the school. Speak to Ben Roberts, and some of
the other staff, and you will realise just how lucky you, and your
child have been to be invited to be a part of the welcoming family
that is Heathbrook Primary School.
Unlike the so-called
Whistleblower, I am not just prepared to allow comments on this blog,
I am actually inviting parents to comment on the school, and will
only delete postings from people who, quite frankly, do not have the
guts to put their name to their comments.
7 comments:
It's really sad that people have to be so vindictive. Whatever problem this person had, to write such an untrue, bitter and twisted account of the school and its staff is deeply distasteful.
For a start Heathbrook Primary School Whistleblower website is over two and half years ago. When Ofsted came in, the headteacher had only been in his job for six months and Ofsted had completely changed its criteria for evaluation. If anything as the previous deputy, he brought a certain amount of continuity and a similar focus on high standards that his predecessor had set!
In such a short space, he’s done some remarkable things. The school is in the top 14 schools nationally for progress made by kids overall, and top 7 for reading. Apparently 61% of year 6 kids are exceeding expected progress in maths, compared to the national average of 35% this year. You only have to look at the Lambeth Primary Schools league table this year to see where it has featured in the league tables -
http://www.standard.co.uk/standard.co.uk/downloads/primary_league_tables2014.pdf?ver=45
above some coveted local schools! They even have a wildlife garden and are pioneers of the forest school learning concept in Lambeth. Sadly a rounded education and softer skills are not exactly high on Ofsted’s priority list these days!
As for staff and discipline, that’s just nonsense. The staff are warm and engaged, the kids are really well behaved and the school has a highly active PTA, with a calendar of year long events. For Roald Dahl Day last year, it was brilliant to see the head dressed as Willy Wonka welcoming children to his “chocolate factory” and staff giving children a lesson in literature in character. I had to move my son’s nursery to school as he was so desperate to attend Heathbrook after that!
My children love school, they are learning fast and I couldn't think of a better start to their education. I think the time is right to blow the whistle on the Heathbrook Primary School whistleblower.
I'm a parent of a child in year 4, he's been at the school since Reception. We were the last of the year that Jenny was Head, and were sorry to see her move on. Since then though it's been a pleasant shift upwards. No discredit to Jenny and her massive contribution, but the environment and overall kids happiness and achievements have improved for sure under Ben. Jenny was great and devoted to the school for decades, Ben brings a more modern energy and is really delivering value and results all around, I firmly think he has a grip on all that matters. We have had cause to provide feedback and discuss an issue with Ben, he was a superstar at how seriously he understood and resolved the issue, and I commend him for that.
Sometimes I come and pick up my son and he wants to stay longer to play more with one of the many after school activities. Other times it's just the regular academic achievement that completes my confidence. The kids are generally very well behaved, and even with such a wonderful diverse neigbourhood, so many parents know each other across the spectrum. I can think of everyone to some special needs parents across the spectrum to members of parliament, to professionals, all whom seem to concur and demonstrate their belief in the school.
I can only feel that the disgruntled opinion has come from a well known individual whom held back change in the school for a long time, and finally they were removed. If you're smart enough to notice how institutions get held back by such people, you're definitely smart enough to take their comments into context. Even on a basic level of one disgruntled prat has created a completely disproportionate response of praise from CURRENT parents. Speak to the parents, they know a lot more than the out of date ex-governors who cling to belong to the past. Sorry but you can't stop progress, grow up.
Last year we took about 15 kids to the oval for Cricket, awesome fun, the kids go on regular museum trips and to the opera house and south bank. How cool is it when a group of kids get to jump on a bus with their staff and helpful and connected parents, and head off to their choice of learning? Which times were the best, was it the regular trips to the British Library for Egyptology projects? or the Royal Opera House to undestand performance? the tours of Parliament to understand both their country and what is has done for freedom? How about the ever poular school fete's, the ridiculously good food fairs, the way a bunch of mums, or in my case dad's regularly get together for a gentle beer and chat once a month? I don't know what I like most about Heathbrook, but it's certainly not the historic old has-been's that can't take personal criticism. it's the spirit of the place, the stuff you can't measure, and the contribution that is made by many unsung heros.
Heathbrook has the magic ingredients that many people crave, with dignity, integrity and fairness to all. Given the resources, location and diversity, I would think it would be very hard to find another school that achieves what it does. Keep up the great work, and continue to break down the barriers.
I'm not hiding! My opinions are my own, and if anyone wants to debate them, bring it on
Matt
I have a very high opinion of Heathbrook school and have seen for myself what great work the Head master Mr Roberts, the Deputy Head Mrs Gurton and all the staff at Heathbrook School are doing to create an inspiring and outstanding learning environment for its pupils. The comments that this self-proclaimed whistleblower made over 2 and a half years ago simply bear no relation to the reality of daily school life as I am currently experiencing it as well as my children.
My daughter who is now in year 1 has flourished since joining the school. My son is now happily settled in the school nursery, and I am fully confident that come September he will be really excited at the prospect of further integrating Heathbrook when he joins Reception.
Having worked as a volunteer reader, I have had the opportunity to observe during school hours what effort every staff member puts into enabling each child to maintain a positive attitude to learning, listening to them and keeping them focussed on their work. This attitude prevails throughout Heathbrook, and consequently any occasional child misbehaviour is managed very effectively through this positive approach by a terrifically competent team of teachers and teachers' assistants.
Far from "just functioning", as the aggrieved person claimed back in 2012, Heathbrook has recently outperformed many of Lambeth's most highly regarded schools in the area, and that is thanks to the dedication of its staff, and the vision of its leadership team. The team - and most importantly the Headmaster Mr Roberts - shouldered the consequences of Ofsted's down-rating indeed by immediately taking action and engaging parents in the process at the time. Heathbrook is a school on the up as a result.
I am very proud to bear witness to that and to give them my full support and confidence as a parent.
Hi All,
I’m the father of 2 boys, in year 4 and year 2, and my wife and I have kept them at Heathbrook despite moving to Streatham – almost a 20 minute drive away.
We have done so as we think Heathbrook is an excellent school. We love the dedication of the staff, the pleasant & friendly environment, the rigorous academic standards to which the children are taught and above all, the encouraging and creative atmosphere that the school does so much to foster.
I think Ben Roberts has done an excellent job since he took over. Not easy taking over from such a well-respected and long standing head. I’d just suggest that prospective parents simple visit the school and others and judge for themselves what an excellent school it is. Trust your own judgement! My own opinion Is that Ben has improved what was already an excellent school. Heathbrook benefits from a very strong leadership team and the school is very lucky to have Mrs Guertin as a deputy head. As well as bringing a wealth of experience and expertise, she is trusted and respected by the pupils. She also pioneered the school’s ‘Forest School’ status which is a very forward thinking and creative initiative and hugely adds to the learning environment.
I’d encourage any parents looking at primary schools for their children to strongly consider Heathbrook. I believe it is the best in the area.
Sam Clark
Both my daughters have been through Heathbrook Primary, and although my youngest left over a year ago I want to add my support to the published positive comments. We found the school and teachers generally supportive and the atmosphere always friendly and sociable i.e. the children feeling happy and safe. As for the Head, Ben Roberts, I always felt he was a good choice and he continues to be focussed, energetic and enthusiastic about the school. My dealings with him and the staff when I carried out some furniture making work Heathbrook were excellent and professional. I always tell my friends and neighbours, if they can obtain a place for their children at the school, then do so!
My two children have always been very happy at Heathbrook and have felt nurtured and supported. They have thrived on the school's commitment to the arts and have always been motivated by their excellent teachers to do well in literacy and numeracy. As a music educator myself, teaching for the In Harmony Lambeth project, I can categorically say that no primary school I have seen has provided such an exciting and varied music programme as Heathbrook.
A change in leadership is always challenging and I have to say Mr Roberts has met that challenge with great dedication.
Frank B
Post a Comment