What do parents and carers think about WJS?
Some of our parents and carers have shared their thoughts about WJS with us. We thought you might like to see what they had to say:
"I cannot recommend Whitstable Junior School highly enough to prospective parents. I currently have two children attending WJS and both are thriving and happy. My first child to join the school started late in Year 3 but he was made to feel welcome right from the start and he felt as though he’d always been there. He was encouraged, supported and valued and as a result his confidence soared and so too did his academic achievement. As a family we were made to feel welcome and supported from the moment we became part of the WJS community and still do to this day. My youngest started this year amid the Corona Virus nightmare and I have to say I was nervous about his start. He is an anxious boy, who worries a lot and it’s not easy for him to start a new school let alone under those circumstances. However, WJS were amazing doing all they could under the circumstances and before my son had even started school, they were regularly communicating with me via email and phone, even arranging a socially distanced visit for my son (of a few key rooms) in order to alleviate some of his anxieties. The communication and support I receive as a parent for both my sons is outstanding. Nothing is too much bother and they truly have a holistic whole child-centered approach throughout the entire school. My youngest is now settled, happy and most importantly comfortable at school. He feels truly valued as a member of his new school and this has had such a positive impact on his learning and well-being. I was most impressed with the way WJS handled lockdown & online learning, as they literally set up Google Classrooms overnight (no mean feat) and had plenty of work available to keep my son busy. Again communication was excellent and teachers were replying to parents' queries as well as marking children’s work and giving feedback on a daily basis. The Head Teacher is approachable, friendly and welcoming. I feel she really engages with the children and gets to know each and every child in her care. All staff at WJS are hardworking and really go the extra mile. All round you get the sense that team WJS truly cares about its children, always putting their needs first & I feel incredibly lucky to have my children in such safe hands."
Year 3 and Year 5 Parent
"We are very impressed with Whitstable Junior School. It has been a very welcoming and supportive environment which really helped the transition from infant school. The teachers are excellent. We had a recent bereavement and our daughter received individual care and support which was greatly appreciated."
Year 3 Parent
“Whitstable Junior School is a really special place for children to be. My son joined the school from out of area in Year 5 and he has been amazingly cared for ever since. The school is outstanding. They have a wonderful ethos of care and they offer a wide and varied curriculum and experience of learning and fun for the children. The WellBeing Team and SEN department are outstanding. My son is nurtured, cared for and well supported. Every single worry or concern however small, is dealt with seriously and immediately. Nothing is too much trouble. The staff are always friendly and welcoming and the Head Teacher leads brilliantly.I genuinely believe that Whitstable Junior School has given my child an incredible start in life, created opportunities and given him the confidence and skills to work towards achieving whatever his goals may be in the future.I can not recommend this school highly enough. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to learn in a forward thinking, supportive and fun environment!”.
Year 5 Parent.
Whitstable Junior School has been a great place for our son to learn and grow. The teachers and staff have been wonderful, which has made a big difference to our son's confidence and happiness at school. We really appreciate the effort the school makes to engage the children in activities such as forest school, music, dance and sport - this has made a big difference to our son's enjoyment of school. This year we have been really thankful for the help and support we received from our son's teacher remotely during lockdown, it helped to keep us focused on learning and kept us feeling connected to school.
Year 4 Parent.
"We absolutely love Whitstable Junior School! Our daughter is now in year 6 and has loved her time at this school. We were initially worried about her transition into year 3 with so many new faces but it was such a friendly and happy environment that she soon settled in. The staff are warm and enthusiastic and they seem to really value creativity and fun in the school day. She loved taking part in the year 3 performance which really helped cement friendships and improved the children's confidence, and has really enjoyed the numerous visits outside of school as well as the forest school sessions. We have also been impressed with the school's holistic view of learning and how the teachers and the wellbeing team are always available to chat to about any concerns. The school has been brilliant during the disruption caused by the pandemic- communicating clearly and effectively and adapting to changes that have needed to be made with minimal stress. We are really happy that we chose WJS and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other families."
Year 6 Parent.
'It's not an understatement to say we love WJS! My son settled into the school immediately and was warmly welcomed by all staff. He has had an excellent rapport with all of his teachers who have all shown wonderful compassion for the children, whilst challenging them in their learning. At WJS you really experience the 'human' side of the teachers! It is clear they genuinely care for the pupils in their class - and this shows through by the pupils being keen to learn and try hard with their work. Especially in the COVID year, this personal touch has been so important for both parents and pupils. The communication can't be faulted, and the school clearly has the wellbeing of the pupils at its heart.'
Year 5 Parent
"I would just like to share my feelings about this wonderful school. The children are truly at the centre of this school. The whole team take time to get to know the children and because of this they are all made to feel special. I have only had positive experiences as has my son. His well-being is always the most important thing, however they didn’t stop there, they were also ready to help me. Thank you for being so amazing especially in these strange times. Please know that you are truly appreciated in our house. Also a special thank you to your well-being team."
Year 4 Parent