How do I choose a school?

[McDreamy]

We are returning to the UK this summer. DD will be due to start in Y1 in September. Until now we have used the Service Children's schools and preschools which have been great. But now that we are moving back to the UK I have no idea how to choose a school. When I search the area we are moving to loads of schools come up.

SO many people have said to me don't just go on Ofsted reports but tbh I don't ahve much else.

We are coming back to the UK for a 2 week holiday in May so we can visit some schools but I need to decide on a short list. Any advice where I can start?

[Anna8888]

Here in France there aren't such things as Ofsted reports or Tatler Good Schools Guides and you have to do a lot of sniffing around to get an idea of what is going on in a particular school.

Are you looking to educate your DD privately?

[McDreamy]

No I don't think so, I would prefer her to go to a state school. It would be useful to try and find someone who lived in the area!! It's Halton near Aylesbury.

[titchy]

Assuming you know where you'll be living look at say the nearest 10, then phone and see if they have places - many may well be full as Yr 1 classes are capped at 30. If you only know vague;y where you'll live look at OFSTED reports as a starter, then maybe pick the best two or three in a given area, then phone and see what the vacancy situation is. Assuming you're going state you may well find that this is what influences your decision!

[McDreamy]

The most local one hasn't got great ofsted results and their website is out of date. We are only going to be there for 2 - 3 years. Would it be reasonable to send her here (they have spaces), as we can walk to school, most of the children on the camp we will be living on will probably go to this school or would you look further.

When you move does the local education authority provide a place or do you have to apply and tell them where you have found a place?

[titchy]

I THINK the onus is on you to find a place. Once you have the school I think notifies the LA. If oyu're definately only going to be there 2 - 3 years then the local one may be OK - check it out when you're here in may. If there's a chance of you being here longer then personally I'd make sure it was the right school longer term.

[McDreamy]

I have also noticed that the Ofsted is quite old and since then they have had a new headmistress. Don't know anything about her but it might mean the school has improved. I have sent them an email to see if they have any spaces. It's a start