School visits a year early

[MrsA2]

I'm a worrier and hate making big decisions without plenty of information. My DD isn't due to start school until Sept 2018 but I'm considering asking to see our local primary schools this year as well as next. Is that totally barmy? Will I get laughed at, labelled "that parent" and turned away by the Heads...?

[Dixiechickonhols]

You can go to any of the open days/evenings no one will ask how old the child is.

[BackforGood]

Very normal around here.
Indeed, I went on my own when eldest was in Yr5. I thought maybe I could narrow down the possibilities and take him to a smaller number.
I guess it depends how many you have a realistic chance of getting in to. I'm in a City and there were several options, but some more rural folk wouldn't really have a choice or maybe a choice between two. Also, depends if you are considering making any changes (some people move house, some employ tutors for grammar school tests etc.) 0 if you are, then Yr6 would be too late to find out you want to.
However, no-one asks how old your child is, and even if they did, it's very normal to go the previous year.

[MrsA2]

Thanks both, that's great to know! I'm looking at primary rather than secondary but as you say BackforGood I want to be thinking about the long term options for us as well as the nearest two schools.

[Kalina1]

I am in the same situation and have already booked visits to a couple of schools. They do ask you the age and name of the child but didn't seem surprised I am visiting this early, I think it's normal to get to know the schools ahead of time so you know what your options are.

[TeenAndTween]

I don't think there is any harm, but remember you are looking for a school that will suit for up to age 11, not just your cute toddler.

[StrangeIdeas]

I was wondering whether to go to an open day. DD is in y5. I'm a worrier. Glad to know it's normal

[yeOldeTrout]

And schools change. What the school is like now could be different in 2 yrs time.

[Ferguson]

We looked at secondary schools several years 'early'.

See what you can glean from their web site for a start. If you have any 'spare' time, consider volunteering in some capacity.

[BackforGood]

Oh sorry. I read your op too quickly
In that case, I think is is a bit strange.

[bojorojo]

The schools could easily change in that time and I think you would be seen as a bit premature. If everyone went, the schools just wouldn't get any work done, they would be touring parents round all the time.

I would, though, keep reading their published newsletters. I would check their progress and attainment statistics. Ofsted inspection may happen in the next two years. This could tell you more.

I would look at their admissions policies. I would check to see if you truly have a choice. Do both the school's admit from where you live?

When you need to make decision, you may well have met parents at the schools, so have another source of information. You will be talking to others and this is valuable. Therefore, hold off until you need to make a decision. You may even want to go where the nursery friends are going.

[lacebell10]

Maybe as good an idea is to ask when the Christmas fayre is and visit.... The involvement of the parents and teachers in voluntary things like this can tell as much if not more. Also more likely to be able to ask casual questions and get more honest answers. In our school you would see quite a few of the classroom and hall and see wall displays and get a real feel.

[MrsA2]

Thanks all - some great ideas here, I'm going to skip the school visits this year but definitely start doing some research and look up their Christmas events.