Problem with private school

living_in_hope_3

GlasweJen wrote: »

Sounds like something from the demon headmaster!

Interesting because initially you would think very much the opposite but once crossed the demon appears. I was one of a small number of parents hauled into the office for discussing the school in the playground. We were given a lecture and it was made clear it must never happen again.

Rockporkchop

I have heard something similar to this recently about a private school, in one of the "shires", which is unique in that its ethos is to educate children through play and self expression and doesn't even start to teach them to read until they are about seven.

If a school like this started using star charts and discipline and the other methods you mention then I would have no hesitation in taking my child out immediately and absolutely not paying for the term.

I would imagine that the school has started taking on children with special educational needs (from parents hoping that the delayed reading/writing and different style of teaching will be more beneficial than putting them in a "special" school). The teachers are obviously now realising that this method of teaching doesn't work for everyone and are trying to regain some control. If that's the case then it's not on and certainly not what you signed up for.

But if you don't want to rock the boat, can't you just say that your finances have changed (lost your job maybe) and you can't afford the private school at this current time?

living_in_hope_3

Rockporkchop wrote: »

I have heard something similar to this recently about a private school, in one of the "shires", which is unique in that its ethos is to educate children through play and self expression and doesn't even start to teach them to read until they are about seven.

If a school like this started using star charts and discipline and the other methods you mention then I would have no hesitation in taking my child out immediately and absolutely not paying for the term.

I would imagine that the school has started taking on children with special educational needs (from parents hoping that the delayed reading/writing and different style of teaching will be more beneficial than putting them in a "special" school). The teachers are obviously now realising that this method of teaching doesn't work for everyone and are trying to regain some control. If that's the case then it's not on and certainly not what you signed up for.

But if you don't want to rock the boat, can't you just say that your finances have changed (lost your job maybe) and you can't afford the private school at this current time?

To be honest as we have spoken to the Head already about our concerns I don't think we'd be believed. Also I'd like to find the answer for all the parents involved not just myself. It isn't really about the money (even though this is MSE) this is about the school having places to fill (which are filled easily) so getting the money twice and our children being let down.

Strapped

DVardysShadow wrote: »

I would be thinking Steiner, not that it is relevant.

Given the choice between this school and the best available state school, which would you take?

I would think that if the state school is preferable, take the child out of the private school and swallow the loss of a term's fees.

I assumed Steiner too. There's enough of them though not to id the specific school.

barbiedoll

The Head can't "forbid" parents to speak about the school! And the fact that he is even trying to, suggests that he has something to hide.

Personally, I would remove my child immediately, I don't see how you think that the money is the issue here. If you think that the school is not providing a suitable learning environment for your child, then do what you think is necessary to arrange an alternative.

If he starts making a fuss about the money, tell him to take you to court. If he is trying to keep parents quiet about what goes on in his school, I doubt that he will be keen to speak about it in a courtroom.

DVardysShadow

living_in_hope wrote: »

Yes. I don't think all the parents are aware of what is happening. The Head forbids parents to discuss what goes on in the school even with each other.

Don't be so blddy wet. Defy the head, and and if you get caned, so be it.

sjc3

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

I like guessing games I thinking maybe Montessori? (I'm looking into a Montessori primary school for Andrew)

I know that if I had chosen a specific private school because of a particular teaching method advertised in the prospectus, and the school no longer followed that method and was no different to mainstream schools, then I would consider it a "fundamental change" and would not be willing to pay a penalty for withdrawing my child.

I agree with this

sjc3

living_in_hope wrote: »

The Head forbids parents to discuss what goes on in the school even with each other.

How exactly does the head monitor what grown adults say to each other? Does anyone really take any notice of him/her and not just speak their minds and voice concerns. Seems to me that by staying silent everyone is aiding the school to decieve new parents into spending money on an education for their child that isn't what they would wish for.

I wouldn't pay tuppence to send my child to a school like that. They are using draconian measures on children. If you can afford it pay up the fees, chalk it down to experience and send your kid to another school.

If you dont want to throw away a terms fees then speak with a solicitor and see where you stand legally.

pupsicola

living_in_hope wrote: »

the way in which children are managed has changed significantly. In fact I have doubts whether it's legal. Put it this way if they were adults at work it wouldn't be.

What exactly do you mean by this comment? How are these children being managed, that you doubt it is legal? If you are that worried about how your child is being treated I wouldn't be asking advice from an internet forum about paying fees!! Id have my kid removed from that school quicker than you could blink.

As for your comment about "the head forbids parents to speak to each other about what's going on". Do any of you actually listen to this? I find this thread just a touch bizarre. How come someone who can afford to send their kid to a private school and is probably well educated themselves, not look at this whole situation clearly and see the obvious course of action. Am I the only one that thinks this thread is a wind up?

If its really not, then a group of parents need to start speaking together sharpish. I would arrange a meeting with the head and all of you and ask for clear answers to all your concerns over how your kids are being treated. Also hire a solicitor and see if you can all remove the kids asap and not pay another penny.

sjc3

barbiedoll wrote: »

Personally, I would remove my child immediately, I don't see how you think that the money is the issue here.

Im also surprised that your main concern is about fees.