Dean Field Community Primary School

Pros

The school has wonderful outdoor space. A great mix of large, grassy areas and hard standing. The building is relatively modern. Classroom staff work tirelessly for the children. Many of the support staff are local parents so there’s a real community feel. Some teachers look after each other in turbulent times.

Cons

I am a relatively new teacher. Unfortunately, the ECT support I have received has been poor. I have been heavily, heavily monitored, criticised and judged. Threats have been made by senior members of staff (including the head) that I will be given a poor reference, should I leave. I am all for professional development and improvement but feel this MUST be done in a supportive and constructive way. Sadly, I am not enjoying my role. I’m currently exploring ideas for alternative careers.

Pros

There are many wonderful members of staff here who deeply care for the many vulnerable children and families who access the school. The children truly need the staff (which is why some stay.)

Cons

There is a culture of fear in this school. Teachers are micromanaged by the head teacher and are heavily observed and scrutinised. The bullying of staff by the head happens regularly and is the norm. This has been reported and investigated but sadly, things always seem to go in the head’s favour. Unfortunately, staff are not happy here!

Pros

The children are hardworking and well behaved. The school building is modern and spacious. Staff have access to free tea and coffee. Teachers receive a laptop to work from, albeit very old and slow. Some teachers receive management time.

Cons

This is the most difficult school I have ever worked at. Work life balance is non existent. If you want to keep up and meet expectations then you’re working every evening and all your weekends. The number of emails received each day from SLT whilst you’re teaching is unacceptable. When you dismiss your class at 3pm, it’s quite normal to have 40+ emails. All classrooms have telephones so if SLT need you for something, they will ring and interrupt your lesson. This also happens at lunch time. There are many staff meetings after 3pm. Not all of them valuable. Staff meeting time is scheduled in so it happens whether it’s needed or not. Staff are terrified of the head. No one will stand up to her because if you do, you’re out and the reference you receive will make it difficult to obtain a new job. Unfortunately, this school is very Ofsted focused which impacts negatively on the children. Everything that is done here is for Ofsted, not the children. Multiple practise deep dives happen every half term. You are observed constantly. Although behaviour is good, there’s a very unfair & outdated behaviour management policy where only some children are rewarded at the end of each term. It’s also a very complicated policy for the staff, never mind the children, to understand. Career progression is available if the head likes you. However, for progression to happen, you will need to take on many, many roles for very little in terms of pay and time.