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Adoption

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.

questions for schools

5 replies

EtheltheFrog15 · 03/10/2015 20:48

There's probably a thread about this already, but I'm a newbie and this is my first post, so bear with me!
After chugging along for ages things are suddenly moving very fast. We've been selected, but not matched yet, but as our intended link is school age (yr 1) we're having to think about schools - and quickly!
We've got some visits lined up, and I would be really grateful for hints and tips on what to ask about and look for. I have a few ideas, but input from anyone who has been through it already will be a huge help.

OP posts:
IamnotaspoonIamafork · 03/10/2015 22:08

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adoptions/2474590-Help-weve-got-to-look-round-schools

Hope the above thread is helpful Smile Good luck with your link.

Italiangreyhound · 03/10/2015 22:42

Get a feel for the school. Do the kids seem happy and occupied, are they polite and engaged. You will be able to do this when you walk around, accompanied by the head or whomever.

It's obviously, of course, important to use your eyes and ears and do not just listen to what they say they do!

Does the school have an anti-bullying policy?

Do the school understand about transitioning a new child into a school, a child who has already experienced loss. Most schools should understand this but I did have to explain to the nursery teacher why my little one had 'lost' two sets of parents! In the end he did not go to the nursery because I felt that they did not understand what this may mean for him!

Do they talk about children as individuals and express interest or do they speak about the children in any negative terms?

The facilitates are important but to me are secondary to the staff and the school ethos.

See at least two schools, more if you can realistically get to them. Travelling too far to a school is not a great idea, so choose your radius and look at any good schools in that area.

I am not a massive fan of Ofsted but some put great store by what they say, you can find the details on line somewhere.

Good luck.

And if your new little one may have some learning needs, lots of children do, about 20% of the general population, then it may be worth meeting the Senco or Inclusion manager.

Kazza299 · 04/10/2015 09:09

Find out how they'll spend the child's pupil premium money - adopted children recieve about 3 grand I think. Also ask if they've had any training in attachment.
On a practical note, I thought adoption leave would seem like forever and I forgot about going back to work when they were not even placed. I found a fantastic school and the boys are very happy but there is no after school club and now I am going back to work it's a biggie as they wouldn't cope with an off site club or child minder etc.

EtheltheFrog15 · 05/10/2015 22:14

Thank you for your contributions, really really helpful!

OP posts:
JaneDonne · 06/10/2015 20:03

It's worth remembering that ofsted inspections involve a team of education professionals visiting a school with very little notice. They have carte blanche to go anywhere at any time. LAC provision and ppp spending is exactly the sort of thing they'll be looking at and pastoral provision is one of main areas they look at.

Obviously no-one would send their child to a school they had a visceral reaction against but things aren't usually so clear cut. Open days or being shown around by the head are essentially PR exercises - you're reacting to what you're presented with which is not necessarily the real picture.

I would at least keep ofsted in mind, I would ask about anything they've identified as an issue which you feel might impact on your dcs and I personally wouldn't touch a school which was anything less than a good with a bargepole.

Good luck :)

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