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Views on Liphook Junior school - Mrs (3rd Jun 2014 - 13:06:07) My friend is moving into Liphook and asked me what I think about LJS. I told her my experiences but said I will ask what other people think.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Kerry (3rd Jun 2014 - 13:58:56) Both my children attended liphook junior school and both had different experiences. My eldest had a fantastic time and enjoyed everyday at LJS. My youngest hated everyday at LJS, he was bullied nearly every day, he tried to fight back but always came Off worse. The head teacher made them both shake hands and suggested they try to Play together, it didn't work. I'm glad my youngest has left LJS and is doing fantasic at Bohunt.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Di (3rd Jun 2014 - 14:47:59) My son had a bad time at LJS, he went in a confident and outgoing little boy and came out a shadow of his former self. Bullied verbally and psychically. The school when approached assured us it would be dealt with, which if they did was inaffective. In the end we told him to hit and fight back and if he got into trouble we would stand behind his decision, we also told the school that that was our solution. We ended up dealing with it ourselves by talking to the parents of the group of children, which sorted it. Almost a year on from leaving and he still isn't the same carefree and outgoing child he was.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - heather m (3rd Jun 2014 - 15:29:46) Slow & inconsistent with regards to bullying. Quick to react & overreact against trivial matters. Was once called at work as my child scribbled on a desk yet wasn't informed when child suffered an injury in the playground. Too many young teachers who socialise locally with parents. This i feel is totally unprofessional especially when photos of these teachers in social situations with parents of pupils are plastered all over social media (Facebook), patching the way for ridicule & possible accusations of favouritism. Glad my daughter starts Bohunt this year!

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - jeffnaluk (3rd Jun 2014 - 17:57:35) The Facebook problem is becoming more widespread, so much so that the Principal of my daughter-in-law's London Comprehensive insists that teachers adopt assumed names on Facebook. All three of our children attended LJS and Bohunt, all went on to university, two to Cambridge.They reported bullying at Bohunt but were very happy at LJS (and LIS) However, as they are all now in their thirties this information may be a bit out of date!

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Jay W (3rd Jun 2014 - 18:04:25) Have to say that my children got on well there and formed friendships that lasted throughout Bohunt and into college years (for one child, the other still at Bohunt). Obviously different head teacher and probably teachers have also changed since then but it was overall a good experience despite my children being totally different characters. I am sure your friend will take a look (or two) around the school as everyone is different.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - SM (3rd Jun 2014 - 18:32:35) My children have both had and are having extremely positive experiences at LJS. All schools have problems with bullying and teachers spend an unbelievable amount of time trying to sort out problems that happen in the playground and class. It's a very hard problem to solve and there is no magic wand but it seems that they don't always get that part right. I have had nothing like that happen and personally I'm not aware of anyone else who has, obviously I can't speak for everyone. Your friend should go in herself, ask questions and see how she and her children feel about the school. She will have a chance to speak to other children and go into classrooms to see if she likes what she sees. Educationally it is a very strong school and there are excellent teachers. Each child needs different things from a school and therefore not every school is perfect for every child. I disagree with the age comment, I travel around many schools and Liphook has the best range of ages re teachers that I have come across within Hampshire, a good mixture of young and more experienced. Yes some of the teachers are friends with parents but that is more a result of a strong community where paths cross within activities outside of school. It's unusual to find teachers with any energy left for community activities which proves to me that a good work/ life balance is encouraged and therefore teachers can impart enthusiasm for discovering new activities to the students.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Nicola (4th Jun 2014 - 14:19:31) Both of my children enjoyed their time at Liphook Junior School. So much so that they didn't want to leave! As is always the case with Liphook Talk back, postings deteriorate rather quickly. Those with an axe to grind should air their grievances directly & not post for other people without getting their facts right. The only issue with the School is the parking .

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - rob (4th Jun 2014 - 16:44:09) The parking problem will go away in September when the whole area is yellow lined, as per the Highways correspondence sent out to the immediate residents. The only problem will the drivers who ignore them, but hopefully they will be monitored by someone in officialdom.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Nicola (4th Jun 2014 - 18:08:17) In that case , I trust that Highways include parking provisions for disabled pupils/staff and/or parents . The school does (rightly so) have a disabled parking bay for pupils with mobility needs , however other authorities (highways) have yet to include blue badge bays for those of us who do have to park close to the schools. If not then i will continue to park on double yellows and display my blue badge .

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Spar (6th Jun 2014 - 13:17:40) The main problem with Liphook Junior School is lack of discipline. [Text removed at request of school]. Child bullied in class - teachers seem to talk softly and quietly and say that the bullies are just making "wrong choices"!!!!

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Liphook mum (6th Jun 2014 - 13:20:22) Hi In the last few years I have had (and still have) children at both liphook Infant and Junior Schools and, so far, I only have positive things to say about both schools. I know that everyone has different experiences, but mine has been very good. The schools are good academically and socially are very welcoming. One of my children did have a some issues with minor bullying (the usual, not being allowed to play etc) and this was very quickly nipped in the bud on a class basis, with the teacher doing group talks to the children. The grounds are fantastic, and whilst the schools are comparatively large compared to other local schools, the teaching and layout is done in a way to make them feel smaller, using wings and gradual integration into mass activities. There are lots of extra curricular activities which the children love and which give the school a great and inclusive atmosphere. The management and teaching staff are a very strong and noticeable presence, and the heads are always on the school grounds in the morning to say Good Morning to everyone. As I say, everyone has a different experience of schools and children can be bullied in the smallest or biggest of schools. If you have that experience it is awful and sadly the early posters had experience of that and obviously I am not arguing against them. Most people I know, however, can't rate the school highly enough and I would definitely recommend it if you are lucky enough to get a place!

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - H (6th Jun 2014 - 18:32:59) I was bullied at Liphook Junior School when I was there. I would never blame the school, it rests on the bullies. Teachers can do their best to help the situation but at the end of the day if the bullies aren't expelled or they simply grow up and learn some respect then there isn't much you can do if they are intent on bullying you, usually the bullying will not be 'serious' enough for expulsion. They will get a good talking to and sometimes the situation can be made worse. I have no idea how to stop bullying but the school should not be to blame and reputations should not be brought into question.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - mrsT (9th Jun 2014 - 20:38:30) My daughter is at Liphook Jnr school and also attended the infants. I love this school and chose to send my daughter here due to the excellen staff at this school. My experience with bullying in schools is that unfortunately every school is going to have it and depending on the situation around it there will always be difficulties in getting it resolved. I would like to focus on the excellent quality of teaching this school offers as recently the year 4 teachers noticed some children struggling to hit targets and ran booster sessions for these children before school resulting in them catching up and gaining confidence in their maths. The after school activities the school run are fantastic and well attended. The school grounds are fantastic however the parking problem before and after school is not easy to negotiate if you have to use your car. However most schools have the same issue. If i had more children then this school would be my school of choice.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - DML (9th Jun 2014 - 23:45:19) I have no experience of LJS as my daughters went to a local private school - however, bullying is universal and if the school doesn't sort it you always have the option to send your child elsewhere. As the first poster said, one of her children loved it, the other hated it - I guess you can't tell until you're child actually starts there. Not sure about catchment areas but it's not the only school in the area and if your child doesn't settle at LJS there are other options - I've heard extremely good reports about Rake and Hollycombe schools for example.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Sarah (10th Jun 2014 - 14:10:56) I know of at least four families who have recently moved to the area who are on a waiting list for places in both the infant and junior school (outside the regular year R and year 3 intake years). It is a very popular school because it is a very good and active school and your friend might have to wait for a place if they do move to the area. I know that a couple of the families who are waiting have been given places at other schools and they would 'kill' for a place at Liphook. I think your friend should consider themselves very lucky if they do get a place outside of the regular intake years. It isn't a school to be too choosy about.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Claire (23rd Jun 2014 - 17:16:49) I have two children at Liphook Junior school, one who is fortunate to be leaving the school to join Bohunt and the other who is entering year 4 in September. My eldest has constantly had minor bullying issues by one individual since Y3, although not serious, enough to knock her confidence and belittle her, constant approaches to the respective class tutors yielded no joy, [text removed by request of school] meant no appropriate action was taken. The Executive Head and the Head Teacher both call my daughter totally different names even with one teaching her once a week. in her last weeks of the school we may have achieved the ultimate goal in that they may have remembered her name. This school is over run with favouritism, to gain in this school I suggest the Parents are employed there (as many are teachers and LSA's alike) or join the Friends of LJS. I have comments on their policy of splitting classes from Y3 to Y4 but am becoming cross at what they have just subjected my youngest to, so best left unsaid.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - A. Ryan (23rd Jun 2014 - 19:28:51) Liphook Church Of England (Controlled) Junior School, This is the problem I have with this school. There are no other mainstream schools ( other than private schools ) in Liphook. This does not give you a choice. My children went to Shottermill Junior School in Weyhill a lovely school and very all round, then they went on to Bohunt School. Perhaps there is a need for a non church junior school in Liphook.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Ian (24th Jun 2014 - 13:14:28) Excellent school, and although I am an atheist I do not think it is a bad thing for youngsters to grow up with Christian values. Not seen many signs of indoctrination or brainwashing.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Sarah (24th Jun 2014 - 13:56:56) A.Ryan, I am curious why you feel able to comment on the school when your own children attended a different school and presumably some time ago, if they have since moved on to, or finished, Bohunt. Indeed, so many of the comments (I do note not all) refer to incidents from the past, not current events. The school has had new management for a few years now and the feeling of both infant and junior has changed. They are both schools with an enthusiastic feel. I do wish the people posting about events from the past would realise that the school is a different and changing place. This is what the original poster was asking about, not a potted history of bad experiences from the distant past. The school is a fantastic, lovely all round school and certainly does not ram religious beliefs down anyone's throat.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Mrs (24th Jun 2014 - 13:57:51) Thank you for all your replies, my friend has found this very helpful. I think there is a big discipline problem at the Junior school, I have heard some very bad language being used and the children are not frightened of being told off by the Head Misters, as my child said they come back with a sticker and biscuit!

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - A. Ryan (24th Jun 2014 - 14:43:02) Sarah, I am curious as to why you think I should not make a comment. Did I actually say it was a bad school, no, I did not. As my children went elsewhere I obviously do not know if it is good or bad. I said my problem with it was that it was a church funded school, and I refuse to let my children be taught in one. If I had wanted any religious teachings I would have sent them to a church. I will say again, having only one junior school which is church run does not give one any choice. I do believe we are still allowed a voice in a debate.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Di (24th Jun 2014 - 17:20:50) I wouldn't say my sons experience was in the distant past, it was for 3 years and he left last year. So he was in attendance under the new regime.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Mrs T (27th Jun 2014 - 07:41:16) I would just like to add to the comments with regards to it being a Church of England School. As Christians ourselves (not Church of England) I like my daughter to be taught Christian values. In my opinion what they are taught is only what is within the Curriculum and what they would be taught at other schools and nothing is forced upon these children.

Re: Views on Liphook Junior school - Ian (10th Jul 2014 - 21:29:33) I understand most (if not all) of the staff did not go on strike today. As a parent I would like to thank you all for putting the children first, what more could we ask from a school

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