School Applications

[norksinmywaistband]

We have to do our DD's primary school application onlin next week and am still very undecided as to which schools we should put down.

So do I go purely on ofsted reports, Distance from home, class sizes?

It is all so bemusing and shes not 4 yet.

[ChippyMinton]

You need to visit the schools before you make up your mine. Gut feeling, above all else.

[norksinmywaistband]

Thanks, Do I have to ring for an appointment or do I just appear on the doorstep so to speak.
Sorry for appealing thick

[savoycabbage]

Do not choose on OFSTED. Make appointments and go and look around all the schools you can possibly get her to.

[ChippyMinton]

When is the application deadline? Don't rush into a decision, if its not until October for example.
Ring the schools and ask what they offer in the way of visits. Some have open days/evenings,others do group tours, othere one to one appointments. Bear in mind that you will probably have to wait a couple of weeks until the school is back and settled after the holidays.
Do you know anyone with school-age children, who can give you the benefit of their experience? Chat to other mums at pre-school, for example, as they will be in the same position.
Request the paper forms so you can go through the information more easily than online. Make sure you are familiar with the admissions criteria, and if looking at church schools, if they have a separate form to complete/get signed by the priest.

[DontCallMeBaby]

Psst, not all church schools have a form to be signed by a priest, not all church schools have faith-based admissions policies (fortunately for us).

[norksinmywaistband]

Thanks will be ringing round the schools next week.
Psst will not be looking at church schools as we are not in to organised religion.

[Bowddee]

Some schools do Open Days. Keep looking in the local papers as they might advertise in there. Others like you to make an appointment. Ask for a Prospectus or check out the school's website.

[Hulababy]

Phone the schools and arraneg to go and look round. I would do this instead f (or as well as) Open Days, as you then get to see the school "at work" rather than when on show.