Today’s post on Bishopston Mum is a local parent’s review of Filton Avenue Primary School. This school has an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.  

Was Filton Avenue Primary School your first choice and if so, why?

This school was my third choice for my son, but was my first choice for my daughter four years later as I had been so impressed with it.

What qualities & advantages do you feel it has over other schools?

The school benefits from being truly multicultural and has an intake of children from all different backgrounds. Everyone does well at this school. It is impossible not to fit in!

The school has excellent communication with the parents. There is an Open Week where you can sign up to sit in a lesson as an observer. They also send out curriculum newsletters every term detailing exactly what the class will be leaning.

Parents are often invited in to school for various events. Most letters are also sent out via email and we also get text reminders. Every Friday they open the doors of the reception classes 10 minutes early so that you can go in and see what they have been learning. They also do this on a Wednesday for Year 1.

Each child has a class dojo and earns points for things like working hard, on task, good listening etc. You can download this app to your phone and see what your child is getting points for each day. You can also message the teacher on this app.

What (if any) are weaknesses of this school?

The outside space has always looked a bit grey, however they are a currently developing a fantastic new playground so this will no longer be a weakness but a strength of the school. I think the school could sell itself to the wider community better. You don’t realise what a fantastic school it is until you have a child there. I think many people overlook this school.

What do you think of the school building and facilities?

There has recently been a new reception area, community room and kitchens built. The new playground facilities are going to be amazing. There seem to be ample ipads and a really wide selection of books (not just Oxford Reading Tree)! They have 3 halls and a lovely outside courtyard area with play equipment for the reception children. There is a breakfast club and after school club.

What do you think of the size of the school?

The school has recently converted from separate infant and junior schools to a primary school. It has 3 form entry at the Lockleaze Road site and 1 form at the Orchard site. I was a little worried at first about the size of the school, but it is so well managed that I think it is an advantage.

What do you think of the staff?

The staff are amazing and are always happy to talk to you. They have high expectations of all the children. They have at least two teaching assistants in each Reception class (most schools only have one). I think they also attract high quality staff as being a large school there is plenty of scope for career development and promotion.

What are the school’s values?

Every child can be successful.

Do kids receive homework/reading/tasks do do at home?

Yes they have a weekly homework task and are expected to read regularly at home with an adult. Children also have access to Mathletics and infant children have access to Bug Club. These are both great online learning resources.

Is there anything else you would like to add about Filton Avenue Primary School?

This is a brilliant school. Go and have a look!

If you would like to find out more about Filton Avenue Primary School, please visit http://www.filtonavenue.com/