Hi Everyone,
When it comes to our children we all want to make sure that they are off to the best start, and are able to get the best start in life. But what are the things that we should look for when it comes to choosing a school for them? There are reviews and Ofsted reports that can give you an idea about what goes on, but as the website https://www.schoolguide.co.uk/ says, there is much more to it than that. Those kinds of reports often cover some specific things, such as pupil data around maths and English, and don’t take into account the wider scale of things and the feel of the school. Definitely something to bear in mind. Here are some other things to think about when choosing the right school for your child.
Questions to ask
There are a number of questions that are important to ask when you are thinking about the primary school to send your children to. It is a good idea to ask about lunches, clubs, and about the child to staff ratio. Asking about trips and pastoral care can be a good idea too. What do they have in place for children with special needs? That, of course, includes children that are gifted, as well as those with disabilities and specific learning difficulties.
Arrange to look around
It is important to get a feel for the school that you want to visit. It can give you a chance to see how things run, meet some of the staff, and get a general feel for the place. At the moment, this can be difficult because of COVID restrictions, which is why school websites like https://www.leicesterhigh.co.uk/ have some virtual tours and open days that you can look at. As things change, getting a chance to look round, especially before accepting a place, will look more likely.
Think about your chances
There is no getting away from the fact that some schools are very hard to get into, even if you live close by. If there are not many places, and a number are taken up with siblings of existing pupils, how many will be left? It is important to think about your chances. You may fall in love with a school, but it is important to be realistic. There are always waiting lists, which is helpful if things don’t go your way the first time around.
Consider your child’s needs and personality
It is important that you as parents love the school and like the look of it, but at the end of the day, it is your child who will be going there; will it suit them? If your child is more reserved, perhaps the local village school with a one-intake class would suit them better, rather than a primary school with three classes in each year. Think about outside space and if there would be the space that an energetic and boisterous child would need, as well as things like clubs and options like forest school. What approach to discipline is there? All of these things will help your child to have the most positive experience in the school.
Laura x