Choosing primary schools

[evremummy]

I have to apply for a school place for my daughter before the 15th January. It's making me really nervous .

I need to make some appointments to view the schools but do I arrange a time when DD can come with me or go when she is at nursery? Either way I will have to take 1 year old DS with me.

What questions do I need to ask when I go? What do I need to look out for?

Hope someone can advise.

[Poogles]

Read the Ofsted report before you go. It will tell you how the school has been performing and of any recommendations that were made. You can then aske about how the school are implementing the recommendations and about anything you pick up on in the report!

I know how stressful it can be - we used to live in an area where the school places were competitive and then just before the application deadline we decided to move to a completely new area where we didn't know anything about which schools were rated and which weren't.

If you can get advice from people who know the schools it could help with choice.

Regarding taking DC - you will need to speak to the school to see what they allow. A lot of schools will have open evenings you can attend.

[evremummy]

Thanks Poogles . We only moved here a few months ago from the other side of town. We have a big choice of schools but I would like her to go to one within walking distance if possible.

One is always oversubscribed and if she gets in there is no guarantee that her brother will get in when he starts in a couple of years. The other is nearer and has an ok Ofsted report but the general consensus around here is that the other one is better.

However, a mum I know from playgroup has already been to see the school that is nearest to us, even though it is out of her catchment area and she likes it.

My DD seems quite bright compared to her peers and I don't want her to be held back and then get bored and not bother (as her Dad says he did!).

[Poogles]

Have a look at the admissions policy. Often siblings are higher up the admissions policy than catchment as long as the sibling is still in the school.

If DD is a bit ahead of her peers, is this because she is bright or older. Some schools do a mixed Y1/reception (youngest Y1/oldest reception) as a year can be a big development period at that age. The teacher will pick up on the brighter kids and push them. I was concerned as DS behaviour went down hill when he started reception this year. Turned out he was bored because they had 'reverted' to what he had been doing at nursery and he wanted to do 'proper work'. After a few weeks, the teacher had assessed where all the kids were and since they have started 'proper work' (phonics etc) he has really settled down

[mummytime]

Go and look, taking a kid is good, so you can see if they can talk to children (some teachers don't seem able to). The biggest reason to choose a school is gut instinct, do you like the look, the feel, the way the teachers interact with pupils? If you have questions about somethings, are they the really important ones (eg. for me kids being happy and engaged comes before quietly working).

Don't go just on OFSTED or reputation (and reputations do change). I have known children be much happier and do better is less good schools.

Good luck!

[evremummy]

Thanks Mummytime & Poogles. Will go and make some phonecalls.

[mrsscoob]

Yep gut instinct. I could have probably written your post myself. I eventually made an appointment to see two schools, I had read all the reports etc but when I went to the schools, one I wasn't that bothered about and one I really loved, I instantly wanted my child to go there. I didn't even have to ask any questions or anything really as the two teachers that showed me round were obviously used to it and talked me all round the school and told me everything really. I would say easier to not take your child as you can concentrate better.

[Fruitgums]

I am in the same predicament. I have been to visit the schools that I am interested in and still one final school visit next week.

I would echo what has been suggested here. I read the OFSTED reports, gave the league tables a cursory glance and went to the visits with an open mind. Now I have a fairly good idea which school I would like my DS to go to.

Good luck ? it really is not easy!

[GhastlyandUgly]

We took DS to one of our visits but not to the others. He was really interested when he came along but some parents who took children struggled to keep them entertained when the head was talking.

Agree with others re. the pre prep but I found it really helpful to talk to other parents. They tend to be really honest about the good and bad parts of the school. I found one parent to e-mail via Mumsnet local.

Also most schools, after the talk by the head, let year 6 pupils show you round. I found talking to them really insightful too.

Gut instinct does play the biggest part though.

[evremummy]

Thanks guys . I have phoned the school nearest and have a visit arranged for a couple of weeks time. There will be other parents there at the same time. They have said they prefer you not to bring the children as it usually takes about an hour and the children may get bored. So I now have to find someone to have the children then.

Does anyone know if you have to put 3 choices down? I suppose it's in your best interests to as if you don't get your first choice they will just choose somewhere for you. Don't know where I will choose for my 3rd choice though as don't really want to choose somewhere not within walking distance.