Reviews and comments policy

Who can review

Parents and carers of children at the school or nursery now, or in the last two years, signed in to an EduThistle account. One review per account for each school or nursery each school year; a newer review replaces the older one. Staff must not review their own school or nursery.

Fake and paid-for reviews are banned

Do not write a review for anyone else, about a place you have no experience of, or in return for payment, a discount or any other reward. Schools, nurseries and businesses must not offer rewards for reviews or write reviews of themselves or competitors. We check for signs of fake reviews (for example many reviews from one account in a short time, or the same text posted in several places) and do not publish reviews that show them.

What we check automatically

Before a written comment appears, it is checked automatically. We do not show comments that name or identify a child or member of staff, include contact details or links, make allegations against people, use abusive language, or raise a concern about a child's safety. When we don't show a comment, the star rating and answers still count unless the review looks fake. We don't edit what people write.

How ratings are shown

The summary appears once five parents have answered. It includes every rating that passes our checks; we never hide ratings because they are low. Ratings never change league tables, official figures or the order schools are listed in. Sponsors and paying schools have no say over reviews.

If you're worried about a child

Reviews are not the place to raise safety concerns. Contact the school or nursery, the council's social work team, or, in an emergency, the police (999).

Reporting a review or comment

Use the "Report" link under any review or comment. Text reported by more than one person is hidden automatically while we check it. If a review or comment is about you and you believe it is unlawful, report it and we will act promptly.