Heads You Win

Christine Flowers - Bricklehurst Manor School

In today's economic climate my number one priority will be value for my money. Undoubtedly, I will be blinded with figures to substantiate results but I need to know what will be done for my child? Good results are the result of a “good education”. Parents rarely produce a mini Einstein, but in a favourable environment schools can produce children who achieve well; perhaps exceptionally well in a particular area. Teaching should be organised in a way to draw on the strengths of the staff; group teaching may be integral to the organisation; well-trained Teaching Assistants will be used effectively. Dyslexia and associated problems do not confine themselves to one section of society. How can I tell whether my toddler is dyslexic? Will the school be effective in diagnosing and dealing with such a problem should it arise?

Children are special to their parents; sadly some children cease to be special in many larger institutions. Look at the breadth of the curriculum and the “hidden curriculum”; how does the school deal with the spiritual side of the lives of all who touch it? What sort of moral code is encouraged and how does this micro-community function? How confident will my child be on entering secondary education? Will they be socially competent, feeling useful within their new environment? A good school will address these issues not only via the curriculum, but daily within the routine of a community learning, playing, eating and socialising together; in a well-run school everyone feels needed.

How much information and guidance will I be given about my child? We need to trust our educators but putting trust in people does not mean we relinquish our interest. A list of scores at parents' consultation is not what it is all about. How well the teachers know my child and how much interest they show in all areas of their life is vital to the whole question of success. Recognition of strengths and weaknesses need to be discussed and not confined to twice a year at consultation. Paying fees for seven years is a huge commitment, but one that is wholly worthwhile if the results are good and my 11 year old emerges with strong motivation, a pleasant disposition and self-confidence intact.

Bricklehurst Manor School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11. www.bricklehurst.co.uk